
Glass JE-a^- 



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HAND-BOOK 



OF THE 



STATE of 



70 f 




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By E. G. WALL, Commissioner. 



PuWisted l)y Order oi the^oard of Immigration and Agriculture- 




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/JACKSp;^, 



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THE CLARIOISf STEAIvV PRINTING EOTABLISHMENT. 

• 1885. , ,v 




AUG, 6 1908 



Historical Sketch 

OF THE DISCOVElvY AND SETTLEMENT OF IvIISSISSIPPI, WITH A BEIEF OUTLINE OF 
ITS HISTOEY TO THE PEESENT TIME. 




P N May, 1541, after landing in Florida, Hernando DeSoto peue- 
etrated the wilderness of the now State of Alabama and North- 
ern Mississippi, and discovered the Mississippi river at :i 
I^S* point near the northwestern corner of the State, then called 
the Chickasaw Bluffs, where the present city of Memphis, 
f,^^y%^*^l Tennessee, is situated; but after crossing the river, died in the wil- 
<^^>>j.- derness, now the State of Arkansas, in July, 1543. The troops of 
^S^ his expedition then abandoned the country. 

J) In 1681, tlie Frenchman LaSalle and the Chevalier DeTonti, de- 

scended the Misissippi river to its mouth, from Canada, but made no 
settlement. 

In February, 1699, Iberville, (another Frenchman,) with a colony of French, 
occupied Ship Island, and in May following, erected a fort on the mainland, 
near the town of Biloxi, in Harrison county, Mississippi. He then returned to 
France for reinforcements, leaving his brother Sauvolle as Governor of the 
colony. In 1701, Sauvolle died, and another brother, Bienville, succeeded him. 
Upon the death of Iberville, the French government made a grant of the colony 
to Anthony Crozart, who surrendered it in 1717. This same year, Bienville 
was succeeded as Governor of the colony by L'Epinay. In September, 1617, 
John Law's Western Company, (the Mississippi Bubble.) or scheme, was char- 
tered, and Bienville reinstated as Governor. 

In 1724, the Company failed, and Bienville was called to France, to answer 
charges preferred against him. 

In 1726, Bienville was displaced, and Perier appointed liis successor. At this 
time the colony had settlements at Natchez, Pascagoula, Yazoo and St. Catha- 
rines. 

In 1734, the administration of Perier was so unfortunate that Bienville was 
again reinstated. In 1741, Bienville resigned, and was succeeded by the Mar- 
quis of Vaudreuil, who remained until appointed Governor of Canada. 

In 1753, Kerlevac, a French officer, succeeded Vaudreuil as Governor of the 
colony. 

February 16, 1763, by the Treaty of Paris, the colony and settlements em- 
braced in Mississippi were ceded to Great Britain. In the same year, Spain 
ceded Florida to Great Britain. West Florida embraced that portion of the 



4 HisTOEicAL Sketch. 

present State of Mississippi as far north as a line drawn due east from the 
mouth of the Yazoo river. 

In 1799, war was declared .between Great Britain and Siaain. Soon after- 
wards, Don Bernardo DeGalvez captured Fort Bute, Baton Rouge, and Fort Pan- 
mure, at Natchez, and reduced the whole country to the Spanish rule. This 
conquest by Spain was made under the protest of the United States. 

March 30, 1798, after long negotiations and ^much bloodshed, the Spanish 
troops evacuated the territory of Mississippi, and theyUnited States occupied 
the forts of Natchez and Walnut Hills, (now Vicksburg). 

April 7, 1798, the Congress of the United States formed the Mississippi Ter- 
ritory. April 24, 1802, Georgia ceded to the United States all her right to the 
territory. February 24, 1804, Congress passed an act creating U. S. Judicial 
Districts in the Mississippi Territory. March 1, 1817, Congress passed another 
act enabling the people in the western part of the Territory to form a State 
government. 

August 15, 1817, a convention assembled at Washington, in Adams county, 
Mississippi Territory. This convention framed the first constitution of the 
State, and gave it the name of Mississippi. Under this constitution, the State 
of Mississippi was organized and admitted into the Union. 

September 10, 1832, a second convention was convened at Jackson, Hinds 
county, and framed a new constitution. 

January 7, 1861, a third convention assembled at Jackson; and January 9, 
1861, this convention passed the ordinance of secession, and Mississippi joined 
her other Southern sister States in the formation of the Southern Confederacy. 
These acts resulted in a long and bloody war between the Northern and South- 
ern States, culminating in the overthrow of the' Southern Confederacy and the 
abolishment of negro slavery in the United States of America. 

April 9, 1865, Gen. Richard Taylor surrendered his command, and hostilities 
in Mississippi ceased. 

June 13, 1865, Hon. W. L. Sharkey was apponted by President Andrew John- 
son Provisional Governor of Mississippi. 

August 14, 1865, a fourth convention was convened at Jackson, which declared 
void the ordinance of secession, and abolished slavery forever in the State of 
Mississippi. 

October 16, 1865, Gen. B. G. Humphries was elected Governor by the people, 
under this constitution. 

In March, 1867, the United States Congress enacted the Military Reconstruc- 
tion Law, and placed Mississippi again under military rule. 

February, 1868, a fifth convention assembled at Jackson and framed a new 
constitutiori, which was submitted to a vote of the people and defeated. 

July, 1868, Governor B. G. Humphreys was removed from office by bayonets, 
and Gen. Adelbert Ames was appointed Military Governor. A new election 
was ordered by Congress, and the amended constitution was adopted. 

November 30, 1869, under this new Constitution, James L. Alcorn was elected 
G-overnor, and R. C. Powers Lieutenant-Governor. Governor Alcorn, upon 
being elected to the United States Senate, resigned. Lieutenant-Governor R. 
C. Powers became Governor, by the right of his office, in 1871. 

November, 1873, Aaelbert Ames was elected Governor, who, upon being im- 
peached by the Legislature, resigned, and was succeeded as Governor by John 
M. Stone, President of the Senate, in 1876. 



HiSToiucAL Skktch. .'> 

Joliu ?il. stone was elected GoveruoL- November, 1877. aii-l hi-i 1 .< !i:'e ;v fnll 
term, to January, 1882. 

Robert Lowrj^ in November, 18S1, was elected Governor, ami eiiiered upon 
his duties January, 1882. 

Any reader of this outline, wishing for a more extended liistory of Missis- 
sippi, would do well to procure a copy of Hon. J. F. H. Clailjovne's admirable 
History of the State. 

TEKBITOKIAL GOVEENOKS OF MISSISSIPPI. 

Winthrop Sargent, appointed 1 7()i) 

W. C. C. Claiborne, appointed 1 801 

Robert Williams, appointed ISOf^ 

David Holmes, appointed 180!) 1817 

GOVERNOKS OF MISSISSIPPI. 

David Holmes, elected by the ]ieople in 1817 

George Poindexter, elected by the people in 1820 

Walter Leake, elected by the people in 1822 

David Holmes, elected by the people in ] 820 

Gerard G. Brandon, elected by the people in 1827 

Abram M. Scott, elected by the people in January 183;J 

Hiram G. RunneLs, elected by the jjeople in December 1833 

Charles Lynch, elected by the people in 183«) 

Alexander G. McNutt, elected two terms 1838 

Tilghman M. Tucker 1842 

Albert G. Brown, two terms 184-1 

Joseph W. Matthews, November 1847 

John A. Quitman, elected 1849, resigned February 3d, 1851. 

John I. Guion, succeeded, as President of the Senate, February 3d 1851 

Henry S. Foote, elected November 1851 

John J. McRae, two terms 1853 

William Mc^Villie 1857 

John J. Pettus, two terms 1859 

Charles Clarke 1863 

W. L. Sharkey, appointed PrDvisional Governor, June 1865 

B. G. Humphries, elected October 1865 

Gen. Adelbert Ames, appointed Military Governor, July 1868 

James L. Alcorn, elected November 30 1869 

R. C. Powers succeeded J. L. Alcoru, who was elected to the United States 

Senate, in 187G 

Adelbert Ames, elected November 1873 

John M. Stone succeeded Adelbert Ames, who was impeached and resigned, 

i" 187C 

John M. Stone, elected November , 1877 

Robert Lowry, elected November 1881 

SUPEEMi; COUBT OF MISSISSIPPI. 

J. A. P. Campbell Chief Justice. 

H. H. Chalmers Associate Justice. 



6 HiSTOEicAL Sketch. 

T. E. Cooper Associate Justic 

Oliver Clifton Clerk. 

Charles Campbell Deputy Clerk. 

STATE OFFICEBS OF MISSISSIPPI. 

Elected November 8, 1881; term of of&ce commenced January, 1882: 

Robert Lowry Governor. 

G-. D. Shands Lieutenant-Governor. 

W'. L, Hemingway Treasurer. 

Henry C. Myers Secretary of State. 

Sylvester Gwin Auditor. 

T. C. Catchings Attorney-General. 

J. A. Smith Superintendent of Public Education. 

B. G. Wall, (elected by the Legislature,) Commissioner of Immigration and 

Agriculture. 
E. M. Doherty, (apx^ointed by the Governor,) Commissioner of Swamp Lands. 
Mrs. M. Morancy, (elected by the Legislature,) State Librarian and Keeper of 

the Capitol. 

UNITED STATES SENATOSS. 

Hon. J. Z. George and L. Q. C. Lamar. 

MEMBEKS OF CONGBESS. 

*John M. Allen, 1st District. O. R. Singleton, 5th District. 

*J. B. Morgan, 2d District. H. S. Van Eaton, 6th District. 

*T. C. Catchings, 3d District. E. Barksdale, 7th District. 
"T. Barry, 4th District. 

* Elected November, 1884. 



CIE( GKAPHirAL, (iKOLOGICAL ^ TOPOGRAPHICAL 

DESCRIPTION OF MISSISSIPPI. 



?^m^' 




HE State of Mississippi is bounded on the north by Tennessee, 
on the east by Alabama, on the south by the Gulf of Mexico 
and part of Louisiana, and on the west by the Mississippi 
river, which flows along its whole western border. 

NuuTU-EASTERN piuiiUE KEUioN. (See Mai).) 

This re.^'ion comprises the counties, or parts of counties, of east Tip- 
pah, Alcorn, Tishomingo, Itawamba, east Pontotoc, Union, Lee, east 
(Ihickasaw, Monroe, Lowndes, east Oktibbeha, Clay, Noxubee and north- 
east Kemper. The name given to the above group of counties must not be 
understood as implying that the whole, or even the greater part of the area, is 
of a prairie character, but only as including all that part of northeast Missis- 
sippi in which prairies do occur, more or less. The greater portion of Lee, 
Monroe, Lowndes, Clay and Noxubee counties have a fine prairie soil, under- 
laid with rotten limestone, aivd is rich and productive, greatly resembling the 
prairie country in Illinois. During the war "between the States, this region 
was called the " Egypt," or granary of the South. 

Coiton, corn, wheat, oats, rye, clover, sorghum, and the various grasses grow 
luxuriantly and yield remunerative crops. It could be made a splendid stock- 
raising section of the State. 

Peaches, pears, apples, and the various small fruits grow in great perfection, 
and vegetables of all kinds are raised with very little trouble. The Mobile & 
Ohio railway runs from south to north through this portion of the State, with 
branch roads to Starkville, Columbus and Aberdeen, thus affording fine rail- 
road facilities. 

The trees upon the uplands of this region are post, white, red and black oaks, 
hickory, elm, walnut, mulberry, etc. The bottom lands are heavily timbered 
with white, over-cup and water oaks, hickory, walnut, ash. sweet gum, red gum, 
holly, poplar, maple and cypress. This is one of the most desirable portions 
lOf the State. 

THE YELLOW LOAM REGION. (See Map.) 

This region comprises the greater portion of Tishomingo, Itawamba, Alcorn, 



8 The Flatwoods Region. 

Prentiss, Union, Benton, Tippah, Marshall, Tate, DeSoto, Panola, Lafayette^ 
Calhoun, Yalobusha, Tallahatchie, Grenada, Montgomery, Carroll, Choctaw, 
Webster, Attala, Winston, Leake, east Holuaes, east Yazoo, north Madison, 
and the northern part of Kemper, Lauderdale, Newton, Scott, and Eankin 
counties. 

The soil consists of a brownish, yellow loam, underlaid generally by orange 
sand, or a red hard-pan. The fertility of the soil depends upon the thickness 
of the stratum of loam, which varies from a few inches to several feet, but gen- 
erally it is from three to four feet in depth on good lands. 

Throughout this vast territory there are very wide and rich creek and river 
bottoms, easily cultivated, which produce from thirty to forty bushels of corn, 
or a bale of cotton per acre, while the best uplands will average a half bale of 
cotton, or fifteen to twenty bushels of corn per acre. The bottom lands of this 
region have a heavy growth of white, overcup and water oaks, hickory, walnut, 
mulberry, sassafras, ash, poplar, red gum, sweet gum, holly, maple and cy- 
press. 

The best ridge and table lands are clothed with black, Spanish, red, post and 
white oaks, hickory, gum, dogwood, walnut and chestnut, in many sections 
mixed with short-leaf pine ; while the poorer and higher sandy hills and ridges 
are covered with a growth of short-leaf pine in some localities, in others with a 
dense growth of blackjack and scrub oaks. Either of the growths alone indi- 
cates a soil too thin and poor for farming purposes. The short-leaf pine, pop- 
lar and cypress make excellent lumber for building houses and fences. 

The soil of this large portion of the State is well adapted to the production 
of cotton, corn, oats, wheat, sorghum cane, peas, grasses of various kinds, veg- 
etables of all kinds, fruits in great variety, and for stock raising. Marls of 
superior quality have been found in most of the counties in this region. 

Lignite has been discovered in nearly every county in this portion of the 
State, and recently coal has been found in Winston, Choctaw and other coun- 
ties; but at this writing it is not known whether it is in sufficient quantities or 
beds to be worked with i^rofit. 

THE ILATWOODS EEGiON. (See Map.) 
Comprising small parts of the counties of Tippah, Union, Pontotoc, Calhoun, 
Choctaw, Oktibbeha, Winston, Noxubee and Kemper. The level lands', tim- 
bered chiefly with post oak, often accompanied by blackjack and short leaf 
pine, popularly styled the "Flatwoods," form # narrow belt, which borders on 
the west, the Northeastern Prairie Region. The usual width of the Flatwoods 
proper is from three to six miles. In some sections, the bordering hills en- 
cror.ch upon them, so as to greatly reduce the width; in others, the hills recede 
so far as to enclose between them a level tract of ten or twelve miles. Com- 
mencing at the north, on the southern bank of Tippah creek, in Tippah county, 
the Flatwoods run in a slightly southeasterly direction, and from the southwest 
corner of Chickasaw county, the bearing is S. S. E., in the direction of De- 
Kalb, in Kemper county, where the Succarnoche river may be considered their 
southern limit, for beyond, they gradually lose their character and pass into 
the common yellow loam uj)lands. The soil of the Flatwoods is generally of 
a stiff joint clay, hard to cultivate and not productive. The land is valuable 
principally for its timber growth of post oak, which makes good cross-ties for 
railroads. 



Centbal Peaibie and Long Leaf Pine Regions. 9 

THE OENTEAL PBAIKIE EEGiON. (See Map.) 

Ill this region will be embraced south Madison, Hinds, south Leake, Rankin, 
Scott, north Smith, Newton, Jasper, Lauderdale and Clarke counties. 

The forest trees of this region are the white, red, black and post oaks, hick- 
ory, poplar, with an undergrowth of dogwood, buckeye, crab-apple, black and 
red haws, etc. 

When we cross Pearl river, in the southern part of Rankin and Smith, and 
the other counties, to the Alabama line, tlie pine timber predominates, and the 
land is thinner; but with a little fertilizing produces excellent crops. A large 
portion of the countiea of Hinds, Madison and Rankin have beds of limestone, 
and the central section, from the Mississippi river to the Alabama line, have 
extensive beds of the best marl. These beds of marl have been worked to 
some extent in Hinds and Clarke counties, and will eventually become of great 
value to the farming interests of the State. 

The soil of this region is generally fertile, and produces line crops of cotton, 
corn, oats, peas, and sugar and sorghum cane. All the grasses grow well, and 
yield heavy crops. All kinds of vegetables and fruits do well, and it seems to 
be the home of the peach and strawberry. 

THE LONG LEAF, OB ■JELLOW PINE BEGION. (See Map.) 

This region includes the southern i^arts of Hinds, Rankin, Smith, Scott, 
Jasper and Lauderdale, and the whole of the counties of Clarke, AVayne, Perry, 
Greene, Jones, Marion, Lawrence, Lincoln, Pike, and the greater portions of 
Amite, Franklin, with the noi-thern parts of Hancock, Harrison and Jackson 
counties. The immense pine forests of this region of the best heart-pine, are 
of great commercial value, and are being rapidly purchased by capitalists. 

JThe New Orleans & Northeastern Railroad, connects New Orleans, La., 
with Meridian, Miss., and runs for a distince of 160 miles through the center 
of this immense forest of pine timber. 

While the greater portion of the soil in this vast pine region is of a light 
and sandy character, yet much of it is very productive and is easily culti- 
vated, producing fine crops of sugar cane, corn, field peas, sweet potatoes, 
Irish potatoes, upland rice. Sea Island Cotton, on the Gulf Coast, and cotton in 
the northern counties. Vegetables and fruits of all kinds grow in great abun- 
dance. 

All the bays, creeks, and rivers of the Gulf Coast counties abound in the 
finest oysters and fish; and oranges, figs, grapes, peaches and melons are grown 
in great perfection, to supply the home and New Orleans markets. The Mo-, 
bile & New Orleans Railroad affords fine facilities for transportation. 

THE GBEAT MISSISSIPPI DELTA OB BASIN. (See Map.) 

This vast region, comprising over 4,000,000 acres of laud, lies between the 
Mississippi river on the west, and the Yazoo river and its tributaries on the 
east. The counties of Issaquena, Washington, Bolivar, Quitman, Tunica, Sun- 
flower, Leflore, Sharkey, lie entirely in the bottom, and the north part of War- 
ren, the west part of Yazoo, Holmes, Carroll, Grenada, Tallahatchie, Panola, 
Tate and DeSoto extend into this fertile delta. 

The soil is a rich, dark alluvium, deposited by the overflow of the Missis- 



10 Bluff Foemation^ — Geeen Sand Makl, Etc. 

sippi aud Yazoo rivers and their tributaries. These lands when above over- 
flow or protected by levees, produce immense crops of cotton and corn; fre- 
quently 2 bales of cotton and 60 to 80 bushels corn per acre. 

Stock, such as cattle, hogs and sheep, do remarkably well in this region, and 
can be raised at small cost. The timber trees of this region are vast and 
various, white, water, overcup oaks, ash, beech, sweet and red gum, cotton wood, 
hickory, poplar, black gum, willow, sycamore and elm, while the bayous and 
lakes are filled with gigantic cypress, towering above the other trees of the 
forest. These cypress brakes are of immense commercial value. If this 
4,000,000 acres of land was protected from overflow by the United States 
government, it could be made to produce 3,000,000 bales of cotton, equal to 
one-half the total cotton crop of the cotton States. 

THE BLUFF FOEMATION OB EEGION. (See Map.) 

The bluff formation or cane hills, run parallel with the Mississippi and 
Yazoo rivers. From the mouth of the Yalobusha as we go south, these cane 
hills- gradually widen out; at Vicksburg the bluff formation extends east to the 
Big Black river, at Natchez as far east as Fayette in Jefferson county, and in 
Wilkinson, nearly across the county. In fact this region comprises the western 
hills of Leflore, Carroll, Holmes and Yazoo counties, and nearly the whole of 
Warren, Claiborne, Jefferson, Adams and Wilkinson counties, also a portion of 
the western parts of Franklin and Amite counties. Near the Mississippi river 
the hills are of a steep, sharp, bluff character, gradually becoming less abrupt 
as you go east until they become gently undulating. 

On the Big Black, Bayou Pierre, Homochitto and other rivers and creeks in 
this region, there are large areas of rich bottom lands, almost equal in fertility 
to the Mississippi river bottom. 

The soil of the bluff region is composed of a brownish loam of great fertili- 
ty, underlaid with silt, largely mixed with small sea shells. The virgin forests 
of these hills are trees of immense size and great variety. White, red and 
black oaks, poplar, walnut, beech, elm, hickory and magnolia, are the princi- 
pal kinds, with a thick undergrowth of switch-cane, hence the name of "Cane 
Hills." 

This region is rated at the head of uplands in point of fertility and 
for farming purposes. From its being well adapted to the growth of 
grasses and its abundance of switch-cane for winter pasturage, it is one of 
the finest sections of the State for stock raising. For fruit culture there is 
no country that surpasses it. Fine crops of cotton, corn, oats, hay, sorghum, 
sugar-cane, with all the different kinds of garden vegetables, grow in great 
abunda;nce. 

Mississippi abounds in vast natural resources which await development. It 
is a country where but few are very wealthy and where pauperism is almost 
unknown. 

With its fertile soil, equable climatp, great manufacturing advantages and 
immense forests of every kind of valuable timber, it needs only capital, skilled 
labor, intelligent and energetic farmer immigrants to make her one of the 
most prosperous States in the Union. 

GBEEN SAND MARL, SHELL MAEL, LIMESTONE AND EOTTON LIMESTONE. 

(See Map.) 
Green sand marl, shell marl, limestone and rotton limestone are to be found 



Population— Ageicultukai Peodtjots. 1^ 

in nearly every county in the State. The vast beds of limestone and marls can 
reutiUz'ed in enriching the exhausted lands and keeping the other lands m a 

fertile condition. o-^nfi. 

The marl beds in Hinds county near Jackson, and at Byram, ten mdes south 
of Jackson, have been opened and the marl used to a ^^'^f ^^^^J^^^^^f;^*' "' 
al.o the beds in Clarke and Lauderdale counties. The analysis of these marls 
proves them to be of great agricultural value. 

THE AREA OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI- 

The area of the State of Mississippi is 47,156 square miles, or 30,179,840 
acres, of which 13,813,000 acres are divided into farms as follows: 
Year.' No. of Farms. No. of Acres. In cultivation. ^^^vm!"^ 

I860 42 840 1.5.840.000 5,065,000 370 

i870 68 023 13,129,000 4,209,000 193 

1880 75:265 13',813,000 4,895,000 185 

From the above table it will be seen that in 1860, 5,065,000 acres of land 
were in cultivation, and in 1880, 4,895,000 acres, or nearly as much as in 18bO, 
which proves conclusively that the farmers of our State are gradually recover- 
ing from the disasters of a four years war. 

THE POPULATION OF MISSISSIPPI. 

The population of the State, from the United States census of 1870, was 
827 9''2- and from the United States census of 1880, we find the population to 
be' 1,131,592, an increase of 303,670 in ten years, or about 37 per cent. 
Of this population the whites have 479,371 and the colored people 6.,. 2.1. 
The colored people increased from natural causes and immigration over 40 per 

'''These stubborn facts ought to set at rest forever, the charges so extensively 
circulated against the white people of our State, viz: "that they oppress and 
endeavor to exterminate the colored people." We allude to these facts, not for 
any political purpose, but to correct errors and misstatements, that are prov- 
ing of incalculable injury to the cause of immigration and to the prosperity of 

Mississippi. 

\ 

AGRIOULTUEAL PEODUCTS OF MISSISSIPPI. 

From the U. S. Census of 1870. U- »• Census of 1880. 
Value of live stock of all kinds $29,940,000 ^!!'!!!'o^^ 



Corn, bushels . 
Oats, bushels . 



15,658,000 21,340,800 

314,000 1,959,620 

, , 97a. finn 218,890 

Wheat, bushels //4,uuu ^ 

, , 14. KOO 5,lo4 

Rye,bushel3 1*'^"" ' 

Barley, bushels ^'^'^ ' 

Molasses, gallons v 15.,iW ,1 Afio 

Tobacco, pounds Not known ^lo^i 

_ ^, q74 627 1,718,951 

Rice, pounds d/4,o./ c^ 808 

, , KR4. nno 9o6,!5Uo 

Cotton, bales 5b4:,uuu 



12 Manufactubing — United States and State Lands. 

It will be seen from the above table, that Mississippi is still the first State in. 
cotton production, having made in 1879-1880, 955,808 bales, whilst the second 
place is given to Texas, with her 808,000 bales; or a difference of 147,800 in 
favor of Mississippi. Of this immense cotton crop, white labor made 328,568 
bales, and colored labor 627,240 bales. The whites produced a little over one- 
third of the total crop, which shows that the white people can and do labor in 
our own climate — a fact that seems to be doubted outside of the limits of our 
own State. Peace and quietness must reign in a country where such enormous 
cotton crops are produced; another proof that the colored laborers are not 
bull-dozed and oppressed in Mississippi. 

manufactubing in MISSISSIPPI. 

From the U. S. Census of 1870. U. S. Census of 1880. 

Number of Manufactories 1,731 2,331 

Number of hands employed 5,941 7,845 

Capital invested |4,501,714 $6,725,520 

Wages paid 4,547,428 6,274,630 

Value of manufactured productions . 8,154,758 12,352,475 

The principal articles manufactured are lumber, cotton and woolen goods, 
cotton yarns, cotton-seed oil, agricultural implements, wagons, brick, iron cast- 
ing and machinery. The facilities for water and steam power in various por- 
tions of the State are great, and are distributed advantageously. 

Many capitalists from the North, and Europe, are alive to these great advan- 
tages, and are now, and have been for some time, prospecting to find favora- 
ble locations. There is in fact, a manufacturing and railroad "boom" in Mis- 
sissippi at the X3resent time, and we have no doubt our manufactured produc- 
tions will be more than doubled in the next five years. It is evident to any 
unbiased mind that Mississippi is making great progress in manufactures. 

united states lands in MISSISSIPPI. (See Map.) 

The United States Government still holds for sale, or to homestead, about 
3,000,000 acres of land in the State of Mississippi. This land lies mostly in 
the Long-leaf Pine Region, extending from the Vicksburg and Meridian Rail- 
road, south to the Gulf of Mexico. These lands are covered with valuable 
heart pine timber, and can be purchased at the government price, $1.25 per 
acre, or can be entered as a homestead. 

Immigrants and others can take advantage of the Homestead Act, and secure 
land at the following rates : 

For forty acres will have to pay cash $ 6 00 

For eighty acres will have to pay cash 7 00 

For one hundred and twenty acres will have to pay cash 14 00 

¥6r one hundred and sixty acres will have to pay cash 15 00 

The title is perfected by living on and improving the land for five years. 
For information about these United States lands, address Hon. Richard 0. 
Kerr, Register of United States Lands, Jackson, Hinds county, Mississippi. 

STATE LANDS. (See Map.) 
The State of Mississippi still holds for sale about 34,000 acres of the Chick- 



Timber Land — Pine Supply. 1^ 

asaw School Lands, at $6 per acre, and 22,000 acres of Internal Improvement 
Lands at 50 cents per acre. 

For further information as to these lands, address Hon. P. M. Doherty, State 
Commissioner of Lands, Jackson, Mississippi. 

In the past two years, about 1,300,000 acres of levee, swamp snd overflowed 
lands have been sold by the Levee Board and State Commissioner of Lands. 
Most of the lands were purchased by parties from beyond the limits of the 
State. 

During the same time, the Register of the United States Land Office, at 
Jackson, Mississippi, sold in our State about 500,000 acres of Government 
lauds. These large sales of lands in Mississippi prove conclusively that capi- 
talists have confidence in our State government, and in the improvement and 
pros^ierity of the State. 

STATE LANDS HELD BY THE AUDITOK OF PUBLIC AOOOUNT.S. 

The Auditor of Public Accounts has on his books about 750,000 acres of 
lands that have been forfeited for taxes. These lands can be purchased at very 
low figures, and when the sales have been made according to law, the Supreme 
Court of the State has decided that the titles are good. For further informa- 
tion in regard to these lands, address Hon. S. Gwin, Auditor, Jackson, Hinds 
county, Mississippi. 

The lands of the State are generally fertile, well watered and heavily tim- 
bered. The uplands are varied by hills, valleys, plains, creek and river bot- 
toms and prairies. The alluvial lauds of the Mississippi, Yazoo and other 
river bottoms, though subject to overflow occasionally, are very rich, and 
where protected by levees and reclaimed by drainage, produce enormous crops 
of cotton and corn. 

TIMBER LANDS AND THE PINE SUPPLY OF MISSISSIPPI. 

We take from the United States census of 1880 the following report of the 
pine and timber supply in Mississippi. Her vast area of timber lands is su- 
perior to any other State in the Union. 

LONG-LEAVED PINE. {Pinus AusiruUs). (See Map.) 

;Standing pine in the region west of Pearl river, tributary to the 
Chicago, St. Louis & New Orleans Railroad. No. of feet 

board measure 6,800,000,000 

East of Pearl river. No. of feet, board measure 7,600,000,000 

Region of mixed growth, exclusive of 200,000 acres injured by 

the manufacture of turpentine 3,800,000,000 

Total 18,200,000,000 

Cut for the census year, ending May 31, 1880 108,000,000 

In this statement no account, is made of the small timbet standing on some 
2,912,000 acres which have been cut over, and from which the merchantable 
pine has been practically removed. The region of mixed growth, which ad- 
joins the pine belt on the north, contains a smaller number of pine trees per 
.acre, than the pine belt proper, but the individual trees are larger, the average 



14 Climate, Etc. — Railroads Completed. 

amount of standing pine, per acre, is greater, althoi]gh generally of poorer 
quality. 

SHOBT-LEATED PINE. {Pinus MItix). (See Map.) 

Standing pine in the Northeastern belt, board measure 1,600,000,000 

Standing pine in the Northern region of mixed growth 5,175,000,000 

Total 6,775,000,000 

It will be seen that the above statement only embraces the pine timber, and 
when we take into consideration the vast area that is covered with cypress, oak, 
hickory, walnut, poplar, sweet and red gum, etc., it must be conceded we have 
one of the best timbered States in the Union. 

THE CLIMATE, EAINFALL AND TEMPERATURE IN MISSISSIPPI. 

The territory of Mississippi extends north from the Gulf of Mexico about 
five degrees of latitude to the Tennessee line. The summers are long and 
warm, but rarely reach the extreme heat felt in the Northern and Northwest- 
ern States; the thermometer seldom exceeds 95° (F.) during the warmest 
months in summer, or falls below 25° (F.) in winter. During the summer, the 
evenings and nights are pleasantly cool, in consequence of the never failing 
breeze from the Gulf. The winters are short and mild, ice seldom forms more 
than an inch in thickness, in the northern portion of the State, and in the 
southern part, killing frosts rarely occur. The climate is a happy medium, 
where the products of the North and Soath meet, grow and matare in har- 
mony. 

No country is more regularly and better irrigated by rainfalls than our State, 
as will be seen by the following table of comparison, taken from the United 
States census. 

ANNUAL EAINFALL IN DIFEEBENT STATES, AS COMPAKED WITH MISSISSIPPI. 

Kansas ^ 

Texas v 20 to 32 inches per annum. 

Indian Territory ) 

Maine ^ 

New York | 

Virginia J>32 to 46 inches per annum. 

Ohio I 

Indiana J 

Tennessee } ac ^ kc ■ u 

Kentucky \ ^^ *° ^^ ^"^"^^^ P^^' ^°""™- 

North half of j 

Mississippi. [ 48 to 58 inches per annum. 
Arkansas ) 

South half of ^ 

Mississippi. >■ 68 inches per annum. 
Louisiana ) 

RAILROADS COMPLETED, UNDER CONSTRUCTION, AND PRO- 
JECTED IN MISSISSIPPI. 

The Mobile & Ohio Railway (See Map,) enters the State at the southeastern 



Railboads Completed. 15 

corner of Wayne county and runs through the eastern tier of counties 253 
miles almost due north to the Tennessee line. Thi=' road has branches from 
Artesia to Columbus, 18 miles; from Artesia to Starkville, 12 miles; and 
Aberdeen Junction to Aberdeen, Miss., 11 miles; all affording transporta- 
tion to rich and imi:)ortant portions of our own State. This road still owns 
700,000 acres of land in Mississippi, lying adjacent or within 20 miles of the 
line, which will be sold at a reasonable price and upon good terms. For further 
information about these lands, address Land Department M. & 0. Railroad, 
Mobile, Alabama. ' 

The ViCKSEUHG & Mekidian Raileoad runs from Vicksburg, on the bank of 
the Mississippi river, almost due east, for a distance of 143 miles, to the Ala- 
bama line. It is now the property of the Erlanger Syndicate, and forms a link 
in the great Texas Pacific railroad system. This company owns and has for 
sale about 250,000 acres of land adjacent to the line, or within 15 miles of it. 
These lauds can be purchased at small price, and on reasonable terras, by ap- 
plying to the Land Agent of the Vicksburg & Meridi.-.n railroad, at Vicksburg, 
Warren county, Mississippi. 

The Illinois Centeal Railway enters the State at Osyka, in Pike county, and 
runs almost due north, 300 miles, to the Tennessee line, thence through Ten- 
nessee and Kentucky, to Cairo, at the mouth of the Ohio river, thence to Chi- 
cago, St. liouis and other points in the Western and Northern States. 

This road has completed in the past two years a branch from Kosciusko, Miss., 
to Aberdeen, Miss. The Yazoo & Mississippi Valley Railroad, from Jackson to Ya- 
zoo City, completed within the last two years, was materiallj' aided by the Illinois 
Central, and is an important feeder thereto. These two roads penetrate a splendid 
agricultural country. This enterprising Company has a corps of engineers in 
the field, surveying a road, along the foot of the hills, from Yazoo City, Miss., 
to Memphis, Tenn., making a direct connection between Memphis and New 
Orleans, La. The road will develop some of the finest timber and cotton lands 
in the State. This road has also purchased and operates the West and East 
Road, from Lexington to Durant, Holmes county. 

This road was the first to reduce the regular passenger fare to 3 cents per 
MILE, and immigrant rates to one and one-half cents per mile. The Presi- 
dent and General Manager promise to do everything in their power to encourage 
immigration to the State. 

The Mississippi & Tennessee Railway runs from Grenada, Mississippi, on 
the Illinois Central Railroad, to Memphis, Tennessee, through a very fertila 
and productive country, a distance of 100 miles. It is operated in connection 
with the Louisville, New Orleans & Texas Railroad. 

The Louisville & Nashville Railway runs along the Gulf Coast, in our 
State, from New Orleans, Louisiana, to Mobile, Alabama, affording fine trans- 
portation facilities for the Gulf-Coast counties in our State, for fruits, melons, 
lumber, fish, oysters, etc., to the New Orleans and Mobile markets. This road 
is making every effort to build up the counties and towns along the line, by ex- 
tending low excursion rates and by opening up health resorts and sea-bathing 
for visitors. This road makes the Gulf Coast one of the most desirable por- 
tions of Mississippi. 

The New Orleans & Northeastern Railroad has been completed from the 
city of New Orleans to Meridian, Miss., and is fast developing one of the finest 



16 Railboads Completed. 

timber regions in the State. This railroad runs diagonally, for IGO miles 
across the southern portion of the State, and already towns and villages have 
sprung, as if by magic, into existence along the line. It is fast building up an 
immense local as well as through traffic. 

The Louisville, New Obleans & Texas Hailkoad is completed from New 
Orleans, La., to Memphis, Tenn. This railroad enters the State in the south- 
western- portion of Wilkinson county, touches A.mite, runs through Franklin, 
Jefferson, Claiborne, Warren, Issaquena, Sharkey, Washington, Bolivar, Coa- 
homa and Tunica counties, a distance of 325 nailes in our State, opening up 
several million acres of the finest cotton and timber land in the world. This 
railroad is now in full operation, and is fast building up towns along the line 
and developing the western portion of our State. The contract has been let 
out for a branch from Leland, in AVashington CDunty, to a point on the Missis- 
sippi river opposite Arkansas City, in Arkansas, making connection with rail- 
roads in that State. 

The Natchez, Jackson & Columbus, Narrow-Guage Railway, is now com- 
pleted from Natchez, on the Mississippi river, to Jackson, the Capital of State, 
one hundred miles. This road runs through and opens up a tine farmii;g and 
stock-raising region, and will afford transportation to a vast amount of lumber 
that will be sawed from the fine forests of best timber trees along the line. 

The Geoegia Pacific Railway extends from Atlanta, Georgia, via Birming- 
ham, Ala., to Columbus, Miss., and will be extended to the enterprising town 
of Greenville, on the east bank of the Mississippi river, and will connect with 
the Texas system of roads at some point in Arkansas. The western branch of 
the road is in operation from Greenville, in Washington county, to Johnson- 
ville, in Sunflower county. Miss., affording transportation to a large area of the 
best alluvial lands in the Mississippi bottom. The road, when completed, will 
run for 150 miles through well timbered, fertile and mineral lands, affording 
railroad transportion to a large portion of our State heretofore cut off from the 
rest of the world. 

The Memphis, Selma & Beunswick Raileoad has been graded, and partly 
ironed, as far as Holly Springs. This road will open up and afford railroad 
facilities to a fine region of country in the northern portion of our State. 

The Ripley & Ship Island Raileoad, narrow-guage, now in operation from 
Middleton, on the Memphis & Charleston Railroad, to Ripley, in Tippah 
county, Mississippi, ought, and it is thought, will be extended through the cen- 
ter of the State to Mississippi City, on the Gulf of Mexico. It will then afford 
transportation and develop a large portion of our State, now entirely cut off 
frojn all railroad facilities. 

The Gulf & Ship Island Raileoad is being surveyed, and it is thought that 
Congress will re-grant the public lands donated, before the war, in aid of its 
construction. It will run from the Gulf Coast through the centre of the State 
of Mississippi, to the Tennessee line. 

The West & East Raileoad, from Durant, on the Illinois Central Railroad, 
to Lexington, Holmes county, Mississippi, has been completed and affords rail- 
road facilities to the fine and fertile lands in the western part of Holmes county, 
Mississippi. 

The KosoiusKO Beanch of the Illinois Centkal Raileoad, from Durant to 
Kosciusko, the county seat of Attala county, Mississippi. This branch affords 



Education in Mississippi. 17 

transportation to a fine section of country, and has recently been extended 
via Louisville, Winston county, and West Point, Clay county, to Aberdeen, iu 
Monroe county. 

The WooDViLLE & Bayou Saba Railkoad exteuus from Bayou Sara, ou the 
Mississippi river, 'to AVoodville. in Wilkinson county, affording railroad trans- 
portation to a fine portion of southern Mississippi. 

The Mobile & Nokthwestern Railroad, now completed from Glendale, Coa- 
homa county, on the Mississippi, to Clarksdale, Coahoma county, affords rail- 
road facilities to some of the best alluvial cotton lands in the world. » 

Several more railroads were chartered at the last session of the Legislature 
of our State. In 1883 there were more miles of railroad constructed in the 
State of Mississijipi than- in any other State of the Union, in same year. 

With the railroad facilities now in existence, and the roads to be constructed, 
our State will be crossed and recrossed by railwaj's, which must, in the near 
future, add greatly to the development of her vast resources. 

By a general law passed by the Legislature in 1882, all railroads hereafter 
.constructed iu the State will be exempt from taxation for ten (10) years. 

EDUCATION IN MISSISSIPPI. 

Many are deterred from purchasing homes and settling in Mississippi, from 
the mistaken impression that has gone abroad that the people of our State pay 
little or no attention to the education of their children. Let the facts, taken 
from the United States Census, speak for themselves. 

In the year l880, .$830,704 were expended on the Free Schools in Mississippi. 
Year. No. of Schools. No. of Teachers. No. of Pupils. 

1860 1,298 1,695 39,800 

1870 1,564 1,728 43,451 

1880 5,024 5,569 246,654 

Educable children in the State, white 175,251 

Educable children in the State, colored 251,438 



Total number of educable children in 1880 426,689 

In addition to the above, the State had 969 private schools; and for advanced 
students of both races the following: 

The University of Mississippi, at Oxford, iu Lafayette county, Mississippi, 
for white students. Tuition free to all except for the Law School, which requires 
a fee of $50 to enter. The University is in a prosperous condition, with an 
annual attendance of over 300 students. 

The Agricultural and Mechanical College, at Starkville, Oktibbeha countj', 
Mississippi, for white students. Tuition free. Many of the pupils pay their 
board, in part, by working on the College farm. All the students are required 
to work, and learn farming practically. Average annual attendance about 300 
supported almost entirely by the State. 

An " Industrial Institute and College for the Education of White Girls iu the 
Arts and Sciences," has been established at Columbus, and will be open for the 
reception of students in the fall of 1885. The Legislature appropriated 
$20,000 per year for 1884 and 1885, and the city of Columbus donated school 
buildings and cash equivalent in value to ninety thousand dollars. 

2 



18 Taxation in Mississippi. 

The Alcorn University, and A. & M. College, for colored students, at Oakland, 
Claiborne county, Mississippi. Tuition free. Average attendance about 125. 
The College is almost entirely supported by the State. At this University, 
the colored boy who wishes to pursue the advanced studies, can obtain a higher 
education than in the common schools, and prepare himself for teaching, or 
other professions. 

The Tougaloo University, for colored students of both sexes, at Tougaloo, 
Hinds county, Mississippi. This school was established by some benevolent 
people of the North, and the Legislature of the State gives it an annual appro- 
priation of .|3,000. Average aniraal attendauce of about 150 students. Tuition 
free. 

The State Normal School, for colored students, at Holly Springs, Marshall 
county, Mississippi, receives from the State an annual appropriation of f 3,500. 
This school is intended to x^rejDare colored students for teachers in the common 
and other schools of the State. It is generally very well attended. 

A College for colored females is being established by the American Baptist 
Home Mission Society, near Jackson, about midway between the Blind and 
Lunatic Asylums. The buildings will be large and elegant, and the institution 
will be a valuable addition to the other excellent institutions in the State for 
the higher education of the colored youth. 

The Shaw University, at Holly Springs, Mississippi, for colored students. 
This school receives no State aid, but is doing good work in educating the col- 
ored portion of our people. 

Now, in view of the above facts, and when we take into consideration that 
nine-tenths of the taxes necessary to support the free schools are derived from 
levies upon the white people, we affirm that no people on the face of the earth 
are doing more to educate and elevate the ignorant classes than the white peo- 
ple of the much slandered and abused State of Mississippi. 

We have excellent Colleges at Clinton, Brookhaven, Daleville, Oxford, 
Grenada, Holly Springs, Pontotoc, CarroUton, Kosciusko, Blue Mountain, 
Verona, Columbus, Starkville, Macon, Meridian, etc., and good high and graded 
schools in every city, town and village in the State. Come among us, and you 
will find a good education is appreciated as highly in Mississippi as in any 
other State in the Union. 

TAXATION IN MISSISSIPPL 

The State tax, by the Legislature of 1882, was fixed at 23^ mills, including 
the tax to pay principal and interest on the State bonds. " The payable debt 
of State over and above her present means to pay," on the 1st January, 1884, 
was $331,725.06; but this debt consists in interest-bearing bonds, which will be 
promptly met as they mature. The boards of supervisors of the different 
counties in the State are prohibited from levying taxes which, added to the 
State tax, will exceed |12.50 on the $1,000 for county and school purposes, ex- 
cept in some few counties, where, to meet outstanding indebtedness, they have 
been allowed to levy a tax, not in any case to exceed |15 to the |1,000. 

EXEMPTION LAWS IN MISSISSIPPI. 

■ " There is exempt from seizure or sale, under execution or attachment, in 



Cotton and Woolen Faotoeies. 1^ 

favor of each head of a family, or housekeeper, in this State, the following 
property, to-wit: Two work-horses or mules, or one yoke of oxen, two cows 
and calves, five head of stock hogs, and five sheep, one hundred and fifty bush- 
els of corn, ten bushels of wheat or rice, two hundred pounds of pork or bacon 
or other meat, one cart or wagon not to exceed one hundred dollars in value, 
household and kitchen furniture, to be selected by the debtor, not to exceed one 
hundred dollars in value, three hundred bundles of fodder, one sewing maciiine. 
and all colts under three years old, raised in this State by the debtor, and the 
wages of every laborer or mechanic, to the amount of one hundred dollars. 
The following property is likewise exempt, in the hands of the persons named, 
viz.: The tools of a mechanic necessary in carrying on his trade; the agricul- 
tural implements of a farmer necessary for two male laborers; the implemenfs 
of a laborer necessary in his usual employment; the books of a student required 
for the completion of his education; the wearing apparel of every person; the 
libraries of licensed attorneys-at-law, practicing physicians and ministers of 
the gospel, not exceeding two hundred and fifty dollars in value; also the in- 
struments of surgeons and dentists, used in their profession, not exceeding two 
hundred and fifty dollars in value; the arms and accoutrements of each person 
of the militia of the State: and all globes, books and maps used by teachers of 
schools, academies and colleges. That every citizen of this State, male or 
female, being a householder and having a family, shall be entitled to hold ex- 
empt from seizure or sale, under execution or attachment, the land and build- 
ings owned and occupied as a residence by such debtor; provided the quantity 
of°land shall not exceed IGO acres, nor the value thereof, inclusive of improve- 
ments, the sum of (!i;2,000) two thousand dollars." 

PROPEHTY EXEMPT FROM TAXATION IN MISSISSIPPI. 

Wearing apparel, (not including watches or jewelry,) provision necessary for 
family consumption, adl produce raised in the State and in the hands of the 
producer, all dogs, (except when the board of supervisors impose a tax for 
county purposes,) one gun kept for private use, all poultry, household and 
kitchen furniture, not to exceed ^250 in value, two cows and calves, ten head of 
hogs, ten head of sheep or goats, all colts foaled in the State and under three 
years old, farming implements used for agricultural purposes, tools of me- 
chanic necessary for carrying on his trade, libraries of all persons, pictures and 
works of art not kept or offered for sale as merch ludiss, and all property of 
agricultural or mechanical associations and fairs, used for promoting their 
objects. 

COTTON AND WOOLEN FACTORIES IN MISSISSIPPI. 

The Mississippi Mills, manufacturers of cotton and woolen goods, are located 
at Wesson, Copiah county. Miss., 138 miles from New Orleans, on the Illinois 
Central Railroad. 

These Mills commenced operation during the years 1S74-1S73, a:id have reg- 
ularly invested their earnings in permanent improvements — not a dollar of 
the profits having been withdrawn by the stockholders. The supervision of tie 
Mills is in the hands of Capt. Wm. Oliver, Secretary and Treasurer, whi'e 
Col. E.Richardson, of New Orleans, La., is the "main spring" and principal 
lever. 



30 Cotton and Woolen Factoeies. 

The great advantage to the State of these Mills cannot be easily estimated; 
they turned the barren wilds of Coxjiah into an active, thriving tov/n, enaoling 
thousands of our poor to acquire and occupy comfortable homes. A few years 
prior to the establishment of this factory the lands where now stands the town 
of Wesson were assessed at one dollar per acre; to-day, the assessed valuation, 
real and personal, not including the property of the Mills, is $185,492. Schools 
have been organized at which the children of the operatives are educated free 
of charge, the entire year, and church edifices rear their s]5ires heavenward. 
These Mills have steadily kept pace in the race of progress and improvement. 
The World's Fair at Philadelphia in 1876, gave them the highest award of 
merit and medal; and to-day the Mississippi Mills' "Centennial Cassimeres" 
■are household words among the Northern and Southern merchants. 

At the recent contest at Atlanta, Georgia, at the Great International Cotton 
Exposition, they again brought away the highest award, Diploma and Gold 
Medal, for the superiority of their goods. A full line of its goods may be seen 
at the W^orld's Exposition, New Orleans. 

The population of Wesson, is 2,800 to 3,000 people, all of whom are more or 
less connected with the Mills, and dependent thereon. 

The lands in the vicinity of Wesson are productive, growing finely all kinds 
of fruits and vegetables, while the healthfulness of the neighborhood cannot be, 
excelled in any portion of the State. 

THE NATCHEZ COTTON MILLS. 

The Natchez Cotton Mills — ^'a large brick structure, situated on the bluff over- 
looking the Mississippi^ river, at Natchez, Adams county, Mississippi. The 
building is three stories high, 328 feet long, 50 feet wide. The factory has 304 
looms, 10,304 spindles, and a 300 horse-power Reynolds Corless Engine to 
operate the maclinery. Over 275 hands are employed, two-thirds of whom are 
women and children. Each year over 4,500 bales of cotton are manufactured 
into brown domestics, sheetings, shirtings, drills and osnaburgs. The demand 
for the goods of this cotton factory requires that it should be worked to its 
utmost capacity. 

THE KOSALIE COTTON TAKN MILL. 

The Sosalie Cotton Yarn Mills, also situated at Natchez, occupies an im- 
posing brick structure, three stories high, 170 feet long, and 50 feet wide. It 
operates 6,048 spindles, which are moved by a 300 horse-power engine. Sixty 
to one hundred hands are employed in this mill, three-fourths of whom are 
Tvomen and children. This mill works up annually 2,500 bales of cotton into 
bunch yarns and chain warps, for which there is good demand and ready sale. 

THE STONEWALL MANUFAOTUBING OOMPANX. 

The stonewall Cotton Mills were erected in 1868 — main building is 160 feet 
long, 54 feet wide, and two stories high — brick building with two strong biick 
wings, 48 feet long, 30 feet wide. Has about 6000 spindles, 36 'cards, and 108 
looms; converts about 2,500 bales of cotton into brown sheetings, shirtings, 
drills and yarns annually. Employs 100 hands, who earn about $20,000 a 
year. Capital stock of company is $180,000 actually paid in. About 75 to 
-80 per cent, of the employees are women and children. 

This Factory is in Clarke county, near Enterprise, Mississippi. 



Cotton and Wooien Factokies. 21 

the wanita cotton and wool mills. 

Wanita is seven miles northwest of Enterprise, Clarke county, Mississippi. 
The Mills own GOO acres of splendidly timbered land, about 100 acres in a fine 
state of cultivation. The factory has a new Turbine Water wheel, with 23 feet 
head of water. The main building is of wood, solidly built, two stories high ; 
has 1,500 spindles, 32 looms, 4 woolen looms, and full machinery necessary to 
operate the whole. There is sufficient room in the building and water-power in 
abundance to run double the machinery now in use. The mill building is 
heated by steam, and the facilities for dyeing cottons and wools complete. 
There is a store-house on the premises, and a first-class location, for a country 
store. Also the necessary buildings for the operatives, and a good residence 
for the Superintendent. All that is needed to make the Wanita Mills good pay- 
ing property is a small amount of capital. 

ulman's woolen mill. 

This Woolen Mill is situated at Ulmanville, near the town of Bay St. Louis, 
Hancock county, Mississippi. We cannot do better than to give the following 
sketch of this enterprise, from the able pen of Hon. J. F. H. Claiborne: 

"This great Woolen Mill at Ulmanville gives steady, permanent and remm- 
nerative employment to some 600 men, women and children. 

"Mr. A. A. Ulman, a young Confederate soldier, entered the service at IG and 
returned home after the war — commenced operation by laying off one mile 
square of land, fronting on the bay, within tlie corporate limits of Bay St 
Louis, into lots, squares and streets, which he called Ulmanville in honor of his 
father, an old and highly valued ctizen. He donated lots for public uses, and 
on one of them he has euected one of the most beautiful churches in tlie State — 
Grace Church — Semi-Gothic or Elizabethan in style of architecture. Ho 
next erected a woolen mill, after the most approved style, having first per- 
sonally examined all the most succcessfnl mills of this kind in the United 
States. He purchased the most improved machinery; but his inventive genius 
supplied additional and important improvements. At this factory tlie dirty, 
unwashed wool is purchased, cleansed, assorted, carded, spun and woven into 
the finest cassimeres, flannels, plaids, tweeds, jeans, shawls and blankets — goods 
that are all wool, and will stand a comparison with any in the world. The 
blankets are the iliost beautiful I have ever seen, pearly white, brilliant in the 
sunlight, and soft as down. Too much praise cannot be awarded to this young 
and enterprising capitalist. Instead of expending his ample means in empty 
pleasures, he is employing them to develop the resources of his State, and to 
give employment to the poor — and has placed himself high on the roll of pub- 
lic benefactors. 

TOCONA COTTON YAKN MILLS. 

These mills are situated at Water Valley, an enterprising town of 3,500 in- 
habitants, on the Chicago, St. Louis, and New Orleans Railroad. The capital 
of the ComiJany is §80,000. Number of spindles, 3,270 — cards 10 of English 
make. Design of the mill, the manufacture of the cotton warps, principally 
No. 20 yarn, with jDracticable range, from Nos. lO's to 30"s. Expect to run the 
mill to produce 1000 to 1200 pounds of No. 20 warp yarn daily. Fifty hands 



22 Gkapes and Wine Making. 

required, average daily wages will be abou+. $40 when mill is fi-ill_y at work, for 
men, women and children — three-fourths women and children. Main building 
of brick, 160 by 50 feet, two stories. A picker room 37 by 34 feet is connected 
by a light framed passage with the main building. The large capital for the 
number of spindles, is intended for the purchase of raw material and for the 
control of the mill products. The Company expects to add 1200 to 1500 more 
spindles. The Company is exempt from taxation for ten years. B. W. Rom- 
berger, President, and D. C. Wagner Secretary and Treasurer. Postoffice 
Water Valley, Yalobusha county, Mississippi. 

THE STANSBUEY COTTON MILLS. * 

These mills are situated near CarroUton, Carroll county, Miss. The main 
building is of brick, 2}^ stories high, 320 feet long and 128 feet wide. Ma- 
chinery consists of one pair of Corliss & Go's steam engines, 18 inch cylinders, 
42 inch stroke, 204 horse-power. Picker and card rooms complete. 1,584 
spindles and 72 looms. 

This valuable property has been purchased by Gen. J. B. Gordon and 
Brothers, and will be put in full operation this fall. The Georgia Paciiic Rail- 
road will run, when completed, by these mills. 

CANTON COTTON EACTOKY. 

This factory is situated on the Chicago, St. Louis and New Orleans Railroad. 
Main building one-and-a-half stories high, and 200 by 90 feet, built substan- 
' tially of bi-ick. Machinery will be run by 150 horse-power en^^ine. This fac- 
tory has never been run, except about two months, in making batting — two car- 
loads of factory machinery boxed up in the building, having never been opened. 
It is hoped this factory will soon be in operation. 

COEINTH COTTON EACTOBIES. 

There are two cotton factories, one in, and the other near Corinth, Alcorn 
county. Miss., on the line of the Mobile and Ohio Railroad. The Memphis 
and Charleston Railroad also runs through Corinth. A better location for fac- 
tories could not be selected; but from some cause or other, these factories have 
■ not been a success — probably a lack of capital to operate them. If an enter- 
prising company with capital would take these factories in charge, they could 
soon be made to pay a good percentage on investment. 

BAY SPRINGS COTTON EACTOEY AND MEECHANT ELOUE MILLS 

Are situated at Bay Springs, Tishomingo county. Miss. These are successful 
and prosperous manufacturing enterprises. 

All factories hereafter erected, will be exempt from taxation for the term of 
ten (10) years by act of the Legislature in 1882. 

GRAPES AND WINE MAKING IN MISSISSIPPI. 

Wine making bids fair to become one of the most profitable industries in 
Mississippi. We have been able to collect a few items in reference to grape 
growing and wine making in our State which may be of interest to our citizens 
as well as all new comers. 



Gkapes and Wine Making. 23 

grape and wine gbowing on the gulf coast. 

The Concord, several varieties of Ives Seedlings, and some of the table grapes 
of France succeed well all along the Gulf Coast; but the native grape, the 
Scupf)ernong, is the iieculiar boast. It requires no j)!ii'ticular care and little 
or no i^runing. Plant your vine; treat it with its favorite food— a little bone- 
dust ashes, charcoal, vegetable mould, and sweeping from a blacksmith shop — 
provide two or three loads of light-wood posts and rails for arbor, and "let her 
rip." This vine will run as long as you will put up posts and rails, and in a 
few years one vine will cover half an acre of ground. It is a hardy bearer, 
seldom rots, hangs on the vine until it shrivels, and has no superior as a wine 
grape. Mr. Alfred V. Dav's, of Pass Christian, Harrison county, has eighty 
(80) acres of Scuppernongs, and has made, and is makfng first class still and 
sparkling wines on an extensive scale. The wines are growing in favor every 
day, and readily sell at from §1 to $!2 per gallon. 

Col. A. E. Lewis, of Jackson county. Miss., has a lai'ge vineyard of Scupper- 
nongs and is making first class wines. 

GRAPE GIJOWING AND WINE MAKING IN WINSTON COUNTY. 



L'jUisville, Winston County, ) 



March 27, 1882. 
To Maj. E. G. Wall : 

Dear Sir — In answer to your request I send you my experience in grape 
culture and wine making in Winston county, Mississippi. 

In 1873, M. A. Lynch, W. C. Lynch, and the writer, under the name of the 
Jackson Vineyard, commenced the cultivation of the grape. We planted 16 
acres in the \Vhite Scuppernong, and eight acres in the different varieties of 
bunch grapes. Amongst the varieties were the Black Scuppernong, Flowers, 
Tender Pulp, Thomas, and the Sugar of the Scuppernong varieties. Also the 
Hartford, Ives, Concord, Delaware, Martha, Lindley, Allen's Hybrid, with 
several of the Rogers' Hybrids. All did well, but the White Scuppernong 
succeeds better than the others. The bunch grape for this locality is the Iveij* 
Seedling. The Scuppernong is the grape for the South. 

We grow the Scuppernong on scaffolds 7 feet high. We liave made wine of 
all the varieties; the Scuppernong and the Ives we think tlie best. AVe make a 
dry, sweet wine. 

We manured our land in preparing to plant with cow-pen scrapings, which 
we think the best. Our soil is a dark sand, underlaid by red clay, contain- 
ing the oxide of iron, a soil admirably adapted to the perfection of the grape. 
We honestly believe that we can grow as fine grapes in Winston county as can 
be grown in France, Germany or California. As for the. wine, with knowledge 
and superior experience, we can make as good wine as can be made anywhere. 
The Scuppernong is a natural sparkler, and with ease makes the best sparkling 
wine. The grape in this county is very productive, and its culture iirofitable, 
if pursued with judgment. The grape is one of the best crops to diversify 
with. Yours respectfully, G. C. Lynch. 

In addition to the above, I learn the following facts: Upon Lynch's place, 
when the grapes were young, he made annually about 1,200 gallons of wine, 
which sells rapidly at |2 per gallon, and the demand is greater than the supply. 



24 Peach and Stea-wbekey Cultube. 

Lynch's entire vineyard is now 24 acres, and as the vines are older the produc. 
tion is vastly increased. 

Mr. A. Lynch has also a vineyard of 12 acres; his vineyard is doing finely, 
and is proving very profitable. John W. Perkins has a vineyard of 15 acres, 
and makes large quantities of wine. 

J. C. Holmes has also a vineyard of 16 acres in fine condition. W. B. Hut- 
ter has a flourishing one of 3 or 4 acres. Wm. Kinard has one of three acres. 
B. T. Webster has one of four acres, etc., etc. These vineyards are scattered all 
over the county. There are at least 400 acres in Winston county in cul- 
tivation of grapes, and without exception, all are doing well and proving 
profitable. The wine made of these grapes , has a ready sale, and the 
demand is 'greater than the supply; what is better, it is driving whisky from 
the county. 

A great many new vineyards are being planted annually. 
To Maj. E. G. Wall: Yours truly, C. Richaedson. 

FHUITS, AND OEANGE CULTOEE ON THE GULF COAST. 

"The peach, apple, plum, pomegranate, pear and fig; pecan, grapes of many 
varieties, strawberries, dewberries, blackberries, persimmon, mulberry, pawpaw 
or custard fruit," and melons of various kinds grow in great perfection, and yield 
abundant returns. Nearer the seashore we find in addition, the orange, lemon, 
citron, shaddock, jujube, almond, banana, olive, and occasionally the pine-apple 
The orange is just now attracting much attention. The best locality for them, 
it is thought, is near the water or salt marshes, with the protection of 
the pine forest on the north. On the high bluffs of our salt water bayous, the 
orange flourishes ; and we have trees on this coast in full bearing 60 years old, 
and no symptoms of decay. Orange trees planted in the open pine woods do 
well, and suffer less than elsewhere from cold. The orange, like many other 
plants, may be trained to endure cold weather. I prefer to give my trees a 
jiorthern exposure. ' They grow and flourish c n almost any soil on the coast. 
A little ashes, oyster shell lime, marsh mud, and an occasional mulching is all 
they require. They can be planted about 20 feet apart, and the orchard can 
be cropped with peas, potatoes, melons, or vegetables. They will bear fruit in 
four, five or six years — the grafted fruit, the earliest, are subject to few diseases; 
are very long-lived ; require less attention than any other fruit tree, and will 
average in full bearing, 1000 oranges to the tree. The demand is unlimited. 
The oranges on the coast are pronounced superior in flavor to any in the mar- 
ket. $10 per thousand, at the orchard, is about the average value." 

The above information was given by the Hon. J. P. H. Claiborne, who has 
lived on and known the Gulf Coast of Mississippi for many years. 

PEACH AND STAWBEREY CULTURE IN MISSISSIPPI. 
The Peach is cultivated extensively along the line of the Illinois Central 
Railroad, and the Mobile and Ohio Railroad, for market. There are large 
orchards of peaches at Summit, Hazlehurst, Crystal Springs, Terry, Jackson, 
Madison Station, Canton, Durant and other points on the Illinois Central Rail- 
road, and at Meridian and other stations on the Mobile and Ohio Railroad. 
The markets for the fruit are, St. Louis, Chicago, Louisville, Cincinnati and 
New Orleans; and in good fruit seasons, immense quantities of peaches are 
shipped. Terry Station in Hinds county, has shipped in one year, as many as 
47,000 boxes of peaches, one-third of a bushel to the box. 



TOPOGEAPHT OF MISSISSIPPI. 



25 



Strawberries are extensively cultivatea for the above markets; especially 
along the line of the Illinois Central Railroad. We only have space to men- 
tion a few of the producers and shippers: S. H. Stackhouse, Crystal Springs, 
Copiah county, picks and ships from about 50 acres of strawberries. He made 
his first shipment this season, on March I5th, 1882, to Chicago, Illinois. 

Dr. Hayden McKay, Madison Station, Madison county. Miss., has about 125 
acres in strawberries, and made his first shipment to Chicago, Illinois, the 16th 
of March, 1882. Dr. John McKay, Madison Station, Madison county, Miss., 
ships from 70 acres, and made his first shipment the IGth of March, 1882. The 
strawberries from this section of the State arrive at the Chicago market so far 
ahead of the strawberries further north, that they command remunerative 
prices. 

Early vegetables, such as English peas, tomatoes, snap beans, etc., are grown 
extensivel/for the northern markets. Mr. S. H. Stackhouse having had as 
much as five acres in tomatoes alone. This fruit and vegetable business bids 
fair to be extended to very large proportions along the lines of our railroads 
leading to the markets of North and West. 

TOPOGRAPHY OF MISSISSIPPI. (See Map.) 
It seems to be the impression at the North and in Europe, that the surface of 
the State of Mississippi is level, and that it is almost a continuous swamp, 
from the banks of the Mississippi river to the Alabama line. How true this 
impression is, a glance at the elevation of the different stations on the Mobile 
and Ohio Railroad, above tide water in Mobile Bay, and also the elevation of 
the stations on the Illinois Central Railroad, above the tide water at New Or- 
leans, La., will clearly show. The roads run from North to South through the 
length of the State. 



Station!^ on. Mobile A Ohio Railroad. Slaliom on the C, St. Louis cfc N. 0. R. R. 



State Line 2.">6 ^syka . . . . 

Wavnesboro 191 Magnolia . 

Quitman 2.U Summit 



250 

300 

420 

248 Brookhaven 5^*0 



Enterprise ^+» lirooKuaveu -— 

Meridian 33« Beauregard 4-W 

Lockhart Summit 426 Hazlehurst .... 

Macon 185 Crystal Springs 

Brooksville 275|prerry 

Crawford SIG, ^Jackson 



^rtesia 244 iMadison Station 

West Point 242;^Canton 

Muldon . 



430 

450 

265 

270 

',AT./if14ann Stntimi 350 



Okolona 311 JVaiden 

Verona 307UVinona . 



320 

304'JDurftnt ^15 

'lV.,,,^or> 355 

380 



Tupelo 280 Grenada -08 

Baldwyn 379,|Water Valley 355 

Boonville Summit 513 Oxford »»» 

Boonville 511 jHolly Springs ^^^ 

jiienzi 441 iLamar ^*"^ 

Corinth 443.!Grand Junction Jl^ 



26 Mississippi as a Stock Countky. 

* At Jackson, the Capital of the State, the railroad level is 270 feet; but 
there are hills in and around the city that are 300 feet high — or making 
those points 570 feet above the tide-water at New Orleans. There are many- 
hills in Winston, Choctaw, and other counties, from 1,200 to 1,500 feet above 
the tide-water in the Gulf of Mexico. The only swamp land is in the river bot- 
toms. 

WHAT A GOOD FARMER CAN DO IN CLAIBORNE COUNTY, MISS. 

To Maj. E. 0. Wall : 

In answer to yours of the 20th March, 1882, I will say: I moved to my 
farm in Claiborne county, near Rocky Springs, March 9th, 1881. I hired two 
(2) hands for five months, and one for the year, on the shares plan. I planted 14 
acres in cotton, and tied up 22 bales of cotton, averaging 450 pounds. I 
planted 18 acres in corn, from which I gathered 700 bushels of good corn. I 
cut 50 acres of Bermuda grass, and sold therefrom the surplus hay, amounting 
(as shown by my books,) to 275 tons of fine hay, and left the best cutting of the 
season uncut on the meadow. I made three cuttings over the ground during 
the same season. It was given up by all who saw the hay, to be the best they 
ever saw. ■ I had from 25 to 30 head of stock on the meadow all the time I 
was mowing. They did not appear to hurt it at all. Bermuda grass is the best 
grazing for stock in my experience with grass, and horses or mules need but 
little corn to do good work. I made and gathered the above crop on 50 bush- 
els of corn. 

Yours truly, Wm. M. Robertson. 

Hazlehttest, Miss., March 26, 1882. 

I know the above facts to be as stated, as the farm was near my place, and I 
was often there when Mr. Robertson was cultivating his crop and cutting his 
grass for hay. 

Geo. p. MoLean, Rocky Springs, Miss. 
Let us reduce the above statement to dollars and cents: 

Receipts 22 bales of cotton @ $45 $990 00 

Receipts 700 bushels of corn @$1 700 00 

Receipts 275 tons of hay @ $10 per ton on place . : 2,750 00 

Total receipts ' $4,440 00 

EXPENSES. 

Two hands for 5 months, wages and board $.300 00 

One hand 1 year, wages and board 300 00 

Eor securing hay 550 00 

For teams, interest and incidentals 500 00 

Total expenses $1,650 00 

$1,650 00 

Net receipts $2,790 00 

MISSISSIPPI AS A STOCK COUNTRY. 

ViOKSBUBG, Miss., April 9, 1882. 

Your kind favor of the 7th, inquiring if this county, (Warren,) is adapted to 
the improved breeds of domestic animals, is received, and it gives me sincere 
pleasure to answer affirmatively. After several years experience in breeding 
and raising thoroughbred Jersey cattle, South-down sheep, Berkshire and 
Poland China swine, I do not hesitate to say Warren county, Mississippi, is 
equal, if not suj^erior, 'in some respects, to the famous blue-grass region of 



Labok in Mississippi — How Emploxed. 27 

Kentucky. It only needs the life-giving touch of the skilled husbandman to 
convert the hills and valleys into gardens of Eden. If this seems romance, 
let us take a more i^rosy view of the subject, and judge by the stalwart poi^lars 
and magnolia trees. These trees are as common in Warren county hills as the 
pines in southeast Mississippi, and I could not cite a better evidence of the 
fertility of our soil. Clovers luxuriate in our soil. The Bermuda grass covers 
nearly all our hills and valleys, and it will pasture, acre tor acre, more stock 
in summer than the blue-grass lands of Kentucky. Its power to resist drouth 
is greater, and analysis places it pound for pound in value w^ith blue-grass. On 
our meadow laud as much as 3}^ tons per acre have been cut of very superior 
hay. 

My herd of Jersey cattle, yet quite young, is as promising as can be found 
in the United States— rather a broad assertion, but this is the opinion of good 
judges. The butter tests I have made, bear me out in the assertion. 

Romp Ogdon 2d, No. 4764, made, when five years old, 14 pounds of butter 
in (7) seven days. Varinella, No. 6337, made, when four years old, 3 pounds, 
7 ounces of butter in (1) one day. Fall Leaf, No. 8587, made,, when (2) two 
years of age, 12 pounds, 15 ounces of butter in (7) seven days; test made in 
the mouth of November. Jersey butter, made on " Beechwood" farm, com- 
mands 40 cents per pound all the year round. 

Yours truly, W. E. Gates. 

To Maj. E. G. Wall. 

Col. Wm. B. Montgomery, of Starkville, Oktibbeha county, Mississippi, has 
a thoroughbred Jersey herd of cattle, numbering about 150 head. Col. Mont- 
gomery was the first in Mississippi to go into the business of the breeding of 
throughbred Jerseys, on a large scale, for the supply of the South. We are 
glad to say that he has met with great success, and a visit to his cattle and 
dairy farm in Oktibbeha county will repay the time and trouble. 

Col. L. Q. C. Lamar, United States Senator, of Oxford, Lafayette county, has 
a small, but fine herd of Jersey cows and cattle. 

Judge L. E. Houston, of Aberdeen, Monroe county, takes great interest in 
thoroughbred stock, and has a good herd of Jerseys. He is President of the 
Mississippi Stock Breeders' Association. 

(Jol. W. E. Stewart, of Ocean Springs, Jackson county, Mississippi, is a large 
breeder of thoroughbred Jersey cattle and Spanish Merino sheep. He is doing 
a large business in supplying the South with improved stock of both cattle and 
sheep. 

Capt. IMat. Mahorner, of Macon, Noxubee coimty, Mississippi, has a fine herd 
of improved Jersey cattle. He is proving to the people of our State that Mis- 
sissippi is a fine stock country. 

Mr. M. L. Jenkins, of Meridian, Lauderdale county, Mississippi, has turned his 
attention to the breeding of fine Jersey stock, and all the improved breeds of 
poultry. There are many others who are turning their attention to stock-rais- 
ing in this State, but enough has been said to show that some of the wisest peo- 
ple of our State think of something else besides cotton planting. We cannot 
close these remarks without honorable mention of the name of Col. Jas. D. 
Stewart, of Jackson, Hinds county, Mississippi, who was the fir.-t to introduce 
Jersey cattle into our State, in 1853. 

LABOR IN MISSISSIPPI— HOW EMrLOYED, ETC. 

The labor in Mississippi is chiefly composed of freedmen, colored people who 
•were emancipated by the war between the States. Cax>tain T. D. Harris, of 



28 Class OF Immigbants Wanted. 

Rankin county, has kindly written the following exposition of the labor systems 
in this State: 

" There are three methods practiced — the wages plan, the share system, and 
the rental system. On some of the larger plantations the three methods are 
often used, and the laborers allowed choice of methods. 

" On the wages plan, first-class hands get from $8 to $15 per month, accord- 
ing to locality and fertility of soil, with rations, quarters and fuel. 

" The rental system varies in price per acre, according to locality, fertility 
of soil and improvements. Sometimes the rent is given for improvements 
made on the place. The highest rent is for 80 pounds ;of lint cotton per acre, 
say $8 per acre; but this high rent can only be had on the rich bottom lands, 
when in high state of cultivation, and the improvements are good. The tenant 
only pays for the land he actually cultivates — quarters furnished, also wood 
privileges free of charge. 

When the share system is chosen, the landlord furnishes the land, quarters 
and wood, the farming implements, the team, (horses and mules) and feeds the 
team. The labor feeds the labor, and the crops, when gathered, are divided 
equally between the landlord and the laborer." 

The above presents the general features of the contracts made by landlords 
with laborers, in working their lands; but each contract is governed by circum- 
stances, necessities and advantages that present themselves to the two parties 
to the contract at the time of making the same, whether it be on the wages, 
share, or rental plan. 

CL.iSS OP IMMIGRANTS WANTED IN MISSISSIPPI. 

We need population to develop our State. We will give settlers a hearty 
welcome, and extend to them full and equal iprotection. We want people of 
kindred races, that we may be homogeneous. We are all immigrants, or the de- 
scendants of immigrants, in our favored country. We do not want the crimi- 
nals and paupers from other States and countries, but to industrious and reli- 
able immigrants we offer good and cheap homes — invite them to locate and be- 
come the owners of their lands in fee simple forevsr. We want them to become 
citizens and have with us equal political privileges and responsibilities. We 
want persons skilled in a great variety of agricultural, horticultural and manu- 
facturing pursuits — in fact, in all the industries of life. We want, especially, 
capital to develop our unbounded resources. We want settlers who will bring 
along with them means and energy to enter upon business for themselves, to 
buy our cheap lands, become permanent residents, and help to build up the 
prosperity of our State. We want men who are willing to rely on their own 
energy, exertions and means, to make for themselves comfortable and beauti- 
ful homes. To such, we say come; and if you have good staying qualities, and 
do not expect to gather a fortune in a year or two from cotton plants, your 
reward will be sure. 

ADVICE TO THE NEW COMEE. 

The new settler in Mississippi will have to unlearn many things, and learn 
by experience and observation new ways. If he is wise, he will "make haste 
slowly," observe and advise with older citizens; by this means, he will avoid 
many natural mistakes in choice of lands, location, style of residence, crops 
and cultivation. While our generous soil yields abundantly, yet man here is 
not exempt from labor, though it is less exacting than in colder climates. If 



Class of Immigeation Wanted. 29 

the settler comes to stay, and does slay, in a few short years his reward is cer- 
tain. 

U0"\V NEW COMEES ARE EECEIYED IN MISSISSIPPI. 

Under this head, we will quote a few extracts from letters of Western and 
Northern settlers who have made their homes in Mississippi. 

Capt. Charles H. Towusend, formerly editor of the McComb City Intelligencer, 
writes as follows on this subject: 

" We are heartily tired and disgusted with the everlasting cant about the dan- 
ger of the Nortlierner settling in the South. The immigrant does not hesitate 
to brave a life upon the wild Western frontier, cutting himself loose from 
friends, politics and society, and debarring himself from alf the privileges of 
churches, schools and social intercourse, and trusting their lives to the tender 
mercies of the savage and wild beast, and yet professes that he dare not avail 
himself of the balmy climate and fruitful soil of- the South, for fear his politi- 
cal opinions may be intefered with. Now, this is all foolishness. The x^eople 
of the South are neither savages nor barbarians. They can distinguish be- 
tween true men and professional vagabonds; and we know whereof we affirm, 
when we say that any person, without regard to political oiDiuions or creeds, 
who comes South and conducts himself in a manner that would be tolerated by 
any well regulated community will be received, respected and honored as he 
may merit. 

"The South does not want politicians — no section does — but to the honest, in- 
dustrious immigrant she offers untold advantages of soil and climate." 

Capt. C. H. Townsend entered the Union army from ]Milwaukee, AVisconsin, 
and served during the war, upon the staff of Gen. AYashburne; since the war 
between the States, settled in Mississippi, and like a brave Federal soldier, has 
the manliness and courage to do justice to the people of his adopted State. 

The Rev. A. H. Widney, of Hazlehurst, Copiah county. Miss., writes as follows 
to his friends in Illinois: 

"Do not expect a wide, level and muddy expanse of black soil; you will find 
trees, aye, stumps; but you will be more than compensated by a delicious cli- 
mate, and a vast range of fruits and vegetable. But above all, you will be 
kindly treated; your political sentiments will be respected. My family and 
myself have never met with anything but the most cordial treatment. True, 
the country, is sparsely settled, compared with our old home in Bureau county, 
Illinois, but it is just as i)eaceable here, as there. Health is assured, so far as 
local causes are concerned, at this elevation, 500 feet above tide water. There 
are several families here from Illinois, Ohio and Michigan. All are as well 
satisfied as we are." 

HOUSEHOLD EXPENSES. 

Provisions, furniture, agricultural iuiplements, or parlor furniture, can be - 
purchased in INIississippi nearly-, if not quite as cheaj) as at the North. We 
give the cash price of some articles of household necessity, now prevailing: 
Flour $5 to ^10 per barrel; bacon, $7 to .$10 per hundred pounds; sugar 7 to 15 
cents per pound; butter 20 to 40 cents per pound; coffee 15 to 25 cents per 
pound; and dry-good, etc., at retail, full as cheap as at the North. 

Household servants (colored), are obtainable easily, for from $5 to $8 per 
month; farm laborers from $8 to $16 per month and rations, (rations now cost 
per month, about $6.) Wood, in the country, need cost nothing but cutting 
and hauling. 

AVages by the day, fifty cents to $1.00; common mechanics, (colored), §1.00 
to S|;1.50 per day; skilled mechanics ^2.50 to $5.00 per day. 



30 Masonky and Othee Obdebs. 

While some articles are dearer here for house-keeping, yet with the saving 
in cost of fuel, the cheapness of home-raised food, vegetables, poultry, eggs, 
game, fish, etc., a farmer can live as cheaply here as any State in the Union. 

MASONKY AND OTHER OEDERS IN MISSISSIPPI. 

Name of Order. No. of Lodges. Membership. 

Masonic Lodges 297 9,133 

Odd Fellows 38 1,073 

Knights of Honor 108 5,000 

Knights and Ladies of Honor 30 1,200 

Knights of Pythias 100 4,000 

Patrons of Husbandry 215 Granges. 8,500 

The Lodges are located in almost every city, town and village, and the 
Granges in nearly every county in the State, and are ever ready to extend the 
hand of fellowship to every worthy person who may cast his lot with them, the 
only qualification required, being of good repute and a reputable occupation. 

CHUBOHES OF DIFFEBENT DENOMINATIONS IN MISSISSIPPI- 

Denomination. No. of Churches. Seating Capacity. 

Baptists 657 185,000 people. 

Methodist 785 213,000 people. 

Presbyterians 262 75,000 people. 

Episcopalians 37 8,700 people. 

Lutheran 6 3,500 people. 

Roman' Catholic 35 17,500 people. 

Congregational 10 2,500 people. 

Disciples, or Christian 12 6,500 j)eople. 

It will be seen from the above, that almost every denomination of Christian 
people have their churches in Mississippi, and good Christian people from 
other States and from Europe, will meet with members of their own denomina- 
tions, in nearly every county in the State. 

In addition to the foregoing, our Hebrew friends have large congregations 
and synagogues in Jackson, Natchez, Vicksburg, Meridian and other towns. 
The statistics are not available, but they form a substantial, thrifty, law-abid- 
ing class of our population. 

STATE CHARITABLE INSTITUTIONS. 

The State Lunatic Asylum is situated about two miles from the State 
House at Jackson, Missinsippi. It is under the superintendence of Dr. Thos. J. 
Mitchell, and Dr. James McWillie, assistant physician. During the year 
1883 the total number, including both white and colored patients, was 565 — 
males 240, females 325. This institution is admirably managed and has been 
a great blessing to the unfortunate lunatics of our State. 

The East Mississippi Insane Asylum, established near Meridian, under lib- 
eral appropriations by the Legislature, in 1882 and 1884, was opened for the 
reception of patients December 15, 1884. Dr. C. A. Rice, of Vicksburg, is 
Medical Superintendent, and Hon. H. A. Cameron, of Lauderdale county, is- 
Steward. 



Stock Raising. 31 

The State Deaf and Dumb Institution is situated on State street in the 
city of Jackson, Miss., and is under the superintendence of Mr. J. R. Dobyns. 
The total number of pupils, white and colored, in this Institution in Decem- 
ber, 1883, was (88) eighty-eight. The management of this Institution is in 
"everj'- respect admirable." The pupils are instructed by "signs, the manual 
alphabet and writing." An appropriation was made by the Legislature of 1882 
for the erection of buildings, etc., for the benefit of the colored mutes, on a 
tract of land owned by this Institution and situated about a mile from the city 
of Jackson. These buildings were promptly erected, and the colored depart- 
ment is now in successful operation. 

The Institution of Leakning fob the Blind of the State of Mississippi, is 
situated in Jackson — Dr. W. S. Langley, Superintendent, and an accomplished 
corps of teachers have the management of this Institution. The catalogue of 
pupils for 1883 numbered 15 males and 19 females. The pupils receive 
thorough instruction in the literary and musical departments and are employed 
to excellent advantage in the ''female work department," and the mechanical 
department for males, where chairs, brooms and mattresses are made. A new 
Asylum has seen erected at the northern extremity of State street in the city 
of Jackson and is a handsome structure. The cost was upwards of forty 
thousand dollars. 

STOCK RAISING IN NOXUBEE COUNTY. 

Hon. E. G. Wall: 

Deak Sir — In reply to your request for my experience in stock-raising in 
Noxubee county, I will state that some eight years since, I was convinced that 
under our system of farming we were becoming poorer each year and that we 
were each year becoming more dependant on the negro. I made it a study as 
to how I could best save my lands and at the same time make them yield me 
a comfortable support. I soon came to the conclusion we must raise more 
stock. I began by purchasing a few common sheep and a throughbred buck 
(Cotswold) and the improvement was great. I was carried away by the idea of 
improving our stock; I read up on stock-raising and visited different fairs. I 
purchased a "short horn" bull and crossed on my common cows; the improve- 
ment was very marked, but not satisfactory as to their milking qualities. I 
then became satisfied of the peculiar fitness of Jersey cattle for our pastures. 
1 then wrote to different breeders of Jerseys for prices, etc., and like most 
beginners, made a mistake in buying unacclimated stock, my losses being very 
heavy in acclimation, nor did I find that the young animals acclimated better 
than the older. Having purchased nine head at different times in Tennessee, 
seven of which were under one year old, I lost five head of the younger ones; 
the older ones were saved, but all had more or less fever. After being accli- 
mated, they seem to do as well as the native cattle, breeding much younger and 
more regularly. 

My herd now numbers nineteen (19) head — 15 females, eight of which are 
due to calve the present year, 1882 I have sold $1,000 worth, have lost from 
acclimation one bull and four heifers— and one heifer of my own raising, I 
now have in my herd three (3) heifers for which I have refused .|500 each. 
My total outlay for Jerseys since October, 1878, has been $3000. Taking 



32 Stock Raising. 

into consideration that I now have an acclimated herd, the amount in- 
vested has paid me better than any investment I ever made. My lands are 
improving and myself and family not entirely dependant on negro labor for a 
comfortable support. 

I will also give you a few facts connected with stock-raising in this county : 
Mr. S. Orr of Brooksville, raised a hog some years before the war that was said 
to be the largest ever raised up to that time; his weight was 1400 pounds and 
he was exhibited at Mobile and New Orleans. Mr. Orr bred and raised the 
noted short horn bull Duke of Noxubee, that was at the head of one of the noted 
herds of Iventuckj''. He also bred and raised a grade short horn steer that 
weighed over 3000 pounds. He also raised some horses and mules. A horse 
bred by him is now owned by Mr. McHaffey, Greencastle, Indiana, and is said 
to be able to trot a mile in 2:30. Nor did we ever hear from him that clover 
a^d grass wouldn't grow in this county. Since to raise stock successfully, it is 
necessary to grow clover and grass as well as grain, I will say that any of the 
clovers do well on most of our lands, and I have seen orchard grass, red top, 
tall meadow oat grass, meadow fescue and blue grass doing well in this coun- 
ty and most of them, on my own place. But with Bermuda and Lespedeza 
(Japan clover) for summer and fall pastures, and Johnson grass for hay, no 
■one need fear to try stock-raising in our portion of the State. 

Yours very truly. Mat. Mohoknee. 

WHAT A POOB GEEMAN IMMIGRANT HAS DONE IN LAUDEBDALE COXTNTY. 



Meeidian, Miss., April 25, 1882, 

Maj. E. O. Wall: 

Dbae Sie: I beg to give the following statement to show my success in farm- 
ing in Lauderdale county, Mississippi. My home before immigrating was in 
the village of Strizen, Prussia. I emigrated to Chicago, Illinois, in 1873. The 
price of land at the North and West was too high for me, and, after two years, 
I came to Mississippi State. I had lost all my mon*ey and was very poor. In 
my trouble, I found a kind friend in Mr. George Meyer, of Meridian, Missis- 
sippi, who bought me 80 acres of land — twenty under cultivation — with a small 
house and two stables, for f 300. The first year I fanned with one ox, and made 
money. I have now been living on my place, which is paid for, four years. I 
have over 40 acres under cultivation, which are valued at from $8 to $10 per 
acre; have two fine mules, worth together $300; three valuable cows, some 
calves, pigs, poultry, etc.; one farm wagon, one sjsring wagon, plows, harness, 
etc. My products per year, are worth $400 to $500, which I sell, besides a good 
living from the farm. My lands, houses and stock are now valued at $1,250. 
My family consists of wife, one daughter 16 years old, and one son 7 years of 
age — all in excellent health. I also must mention Mr. Justice Mulert, of Meri- 
dian, Mississippi, who assists me with advice in experimenting on my farm; 
also Mr. Schreiner, who has helped me greatly, k. good, industrious man can 
make money farming in this country, even on a small scale. 

Yours respectfully, Gottlieb Schonbok. 



33 

Cotton Pboduotion in Mississippi. 



PBPP.BMINT GBOWING AN. MANC.ACTUBE O. CI. IN C.A. ANB HONBOK COUNTIES. 

Wavebly, Clay County, Miss., April 27, 1882. 

Maj. E. 0. Wall : 

Deab Sib- In reply to your favor asking information about the growth and 
.a^ufactre ofpep^plrn^i^t, I have to state, that this new industry was in ro- 
ducedin Monroe and Clay counties about the same time, in the J-i J^^O. 
Messrs. Reynolds and Houston, of Monroe county, and ^^^^^^-J-J^J^. 
L Young, of Clay county, formed a co-partnership with D. D. ^^^^^' ° ^'^^^^ 
La grower of peppermint, as well as manufacturer of peppermint oil. The 
foot's were brougM from Michigan and planted in Monroe county, and also in 
Clay county. The credit of introducing this new enterprise is mainly due to 

^':^;i:-^:'^::^^:^:s^:^-^^ --- growers and manufactu. 
rers^f peppennint oil in the world. They have IGO acres of land in pepp r- 
Z^^ SLs Of -c.,or prairie and the^a.i.^moui.ofsa^ .n^ ^r.^ 
object is to find the best soil for its growth. Both »''^v« P^°J S 

Pe^ppermint, ^^^ ^^ ^Z^i:'"^!:^::. nt trheloutr^lTalways 
eradjially extended North and We=l. ins giowiii ui ., t„„.«.l nl •' It 

grrtiiua J climate, was hooted at. 11 

discouraged, and ''^^'^^^^^l ,^<1 Mr. D. D. Antes deserves great 
rrot only S""! "!^^B^J^J|S^at <U, is Ik, dmale/or m^nainl. 

r:rt:r|::=rgeo.rt»io....- 

sell, at $3.65 per po»«4jr^ OKSSH^L G. V. Vo™o. 



COTTON PRODDCTION IN MISSISSIPPI. 
Mississippi stands first in total production while sixth in P»P°;»^';;;;7°^ 

i the Mississippi bluffs, the yellow loam region, and the two p^^^^^^^^ 

The remaining one-fourth is grown scatteringly over the ^^^^^^ J^^^^f ^^^'^'^^ 

ing more or less of the long and short-leaf pine that form nearly half the 

^'iftlus^tpeai-s that the high production of Mississippi is due to the fact 
the population devotes itself. — 1.ug. w. £iilgabl., 



United States Census 

3 



,54 Statistical Table. 

COTTON CROP OF MISSISSIPPI, 1879-'80— U. S. CENSUS, 1880. 



COUNTIES. 



Adams 

Alcorn , 

Amite , 

Attala 

Benton 

Bolivar 

Calhoun 

Carroll 

Chickasaw . . , 

Choctaw 

Claiborne. . . , 

Clarke 

Clay 

Coahoma . . . . 

Copiah 

Covington . . 

DeSoto 

Franklin 

Greene 

Grenada 

Hancock 

Harrison 

Hinds 

Holmes 

Issaquena . . . 
Itawamba . . . 

Jackson 

Jasper 

Jefferson . . . . 

Jones 

Kemper 

Lafayette . . . . 
Lauderdale. . . 
Lawrence . . . . 

Leake 

Lee 

Leflore 

Lincoln 

Lowndes . . . . 

Madison 

Marion 

Marshall 

Monroe 

Montgomery . 

Neshoba 

Newton 

Noxubee 

Oktibbeha . . 

Panola 

Perry 

Pike 

Pontotoc 



ACKES IN 
COTTON 



32,117 

18,868 
27,749 
3.5,950 
22,401 
43.330 
19,028 
37,957 
38,477 
13,497 
33,121 
15,936 
41,656 
32,964 
54,616 
6,968 
60,488 
18,211 
35 
25,390 



26 
80,013 
62,556 
18,293 
14,851 



20,305 
32,141 

2,794 
28,269 
35,309 
32,273 
17,806 
24,001 
38.578 
17,730 
17,272 
64.670 
56,393 

4,717 
67,411 
71,402 
24,636 
14,021 
19,589 
82,483 
29,679 
67,060 
537 
19,842 
21,448 



19,026 

7,477 

9,952 
15,285 

8,123 
36,419 

9,536 
17,423 
12,861 

5,757 
18.518 

4,693 
13,137 
26,287 
23,726 

2,071 
28,469 

8,042 

12 

10.228 



11 

36,684 

30,463 

16,150 

5,113 



6,228 

18,512 

624 

8.426 

15,214 

9,350 

5,967 

9,016 

14,406 

11,925 

6,286 

21,886 

21,538 

1,579 

26,441 

23,830 

10,541 

4,477 

6,341 

25.294 

9,929 

30,055 

146 

6,507 

8,085 



MADE BY 
WHITE 
LABOB. 



1,902 
5,152 

4,494 
9,361 
4,271 
3,514 
7,369 
8,274 
5,905 
4,606 
4,508 
1,984 
3,088 
1,022 
7,978 
1,519 
9,456 
4,011 
12 
3,402 



11 

6,i38 

7,613 

189 

4,877 



3,363 
3,085 
594 
4,233 
8.. 584 
4,858 
2,673 
7,235 
9,540 
2,085 
4,018 
6,738 
4,962 
1,252 

10,168 
7.943 
5,933 
3,735 
5,567 
4,792 
3,307 

11,131 

128 

4,018 

5.768 



MADE BY 
COLOEBD 
LABOB, 



17,124 

2,325 

5,458 

6,924 

3,852 

32,905 

2,167 

9,149 

6,956 

1,151 

14,010 

2,707 

10,049 

25,265 

15,748 

552 

19,013 

4,031 



6,826 



30,246 

22,850 

15,961 

236 



2,865 

15,427 

30 

4,193 

6,630 

4,492 

2,294 

1,781 

4,866 

9,840 

2,268 

15,148 

16,576 

320 

16,273 

15,887 

4.608 

742 

774 

20.502 

6^622 

18,924 

1^ 

2,489 

2.322 



POPULATION. 



White. Colored. 



4,767 
9,863 
5,494 

11,653 
5,777 
2,694 

10,191 
7,831 
7,689 
6,536 
3,910 
7,230 
6,254 
2,409 

13,106 
3,991 
7,580 
4,850 
2,382 
3,237 
4.643 
5,746 

11.671 
6,907 
824 
9,557 
5,122 
6,224 
4,262 
3,469 
7,104 

11,381 
9,960 
4.937 

.8,104 

12,656 
2.230 
7,701 
5.583 
5,948 
4.451 

10,968 

10,549 
6.671 
6!55o 
8.437 
6,30(1 
6,107 
9,519 
2,357 
8.573 
9,608 



17,862. 

4,409 

8,510 

8,335' 

6,246 

16,958 

3.301 

9,969 

10,21 5- 

2,500 

12,858- 

7,792 

12,113 

11,154 

14,438 

2,002 

15,344 

4,879 

812 

8,834- 

1,817 

2,149 

32,288 

20,245 

9,177 

1,108 

2,485 

5,880 

13,062 

359 

8,616 

10,290 

11,541 

4,486 

5,043 

7,805 

8,016 

5.846 

22,660 

19.918 

2,450 

18,347 

18,004 

6,677 

2,186 

5.009 

24.574 

10.870 

18,834 

1,070 

8.115 

4,250 



Statistical Table. 
COTTON CROP OF MISSISSIPPI— Continued! 



COUNTIES. 



Prentiss 

Quitman 

Rankin 

Scott 

Sharkey 

Simpson 

Smith 

Sumner, now Webster. 

Sunflower 

Tallahatchie 

Tate , . . 

Tippah 

Tishomingo 

Tunica 

Union 

Warren 

Washington 

Wayne 

Wilkinson 

Winston 

Yalobusha 

Yazoo 



Totals. 



ACRES IN 
COTTON. 



18,G10 

3,420 
30,151 
1G,282 
17,041 

8,855 
10,543 
13,613 

7,107 
22,4G3 
48,245 
18,758 

7,555 
1G,996 
21,255 
34,127 
63,409 

7,959 
33,720 
15,081 
30,598 
83,184 

2,093,330 



7,207 
2,337 

11,775 
6.227 

14,162 
3,501* 
3,721 
6,226 
5,707 

11,570 

22,653 
7,424 
2,672 

10,705 
8,259 

22,950 

54,873 
1,979 

16,620 
5,864 

12,989 

48,321 

955,808 



MADE BY 


MADE BY 


POPULATION. 


WHITE 


OOLOKED 








LABOK. 


LABOK. 


AVhite.- 
9,737 


Colored. 


6,364 


843 


2,421 


621 


1,716 


592 


815 


4,734 


7,041 


7,192 


9,56(» 


4,671 


1,556 


6,632 


4,213 


1,573 


12,589 


1,405 


4,901 


2,793 


708 


4,993 


3,112 


3,201 


520 


6,452 


1,632 


4,938 


1,288 


7,238 


2,297 


2,373 


3,334 


1,766 


2,895 


3,856 


7,714 


4,160 


6,757 


10,813 


11,840 


9,089 


9,632 


6,074 


1.350 


9,801 


3,065 


2,432 


240 


7,611 


1,163 


1,239 


9,466 


1,256 


7,205 


6,568 


1,691 


9,940 


3,090 


3,487 


19,463 


8,713 


22,529 


7,815 


47,058 


3,474 


21,801 


1,325 


654 


4,970 


3,771 


1,756 


14,864 


3,569 


14,246 


3,879 


1,985 


6,113 


3,974 


5,668 


7,321 


7,535 


8,118 


9,665 


38,656 


8,498 


25,348 


328,568 


627.240 


475.371 


652.221 



;36 



Health in Mississippi. 



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Health in Mississippi. 37 

We may say in general terms, that, in the vicinity of the water-courses — 
in the great alluvial Valley of the Mississippi river, and other river bottoms, at 
certain seasons of the year, some of the people have intermittent and remittent 
fevers; but as a rule, these are easily controlled, and with proper precautious, 
may to a great extent be avoided. The uplands and table lands are as exempt 
from disease as the most favored portion of the United States. We refer to 
the above table to bear us out in the assertion. 

The article below taken from The Churchman is from the able pen of Dr. 
Hugh Miller Thompson, assistant Bishop of the Episcopal Church for the State 
of Mississippi: 

The Healthfulness of Mississippi. 

To the Editor of Hie Churchman: 

I have received a number of letters of iniquiry, in which great stress is laid 
on the question of the liealth of Mississippi. I do not wonder at this, although 
there is ground for wonder at the persistent ignorance of any i^art of our gTeal; 
country concerning any other part. 

Will you allow me to say then, that by official AVashington figures, Missis- 
sippi is just one-third healthier than New York and Massachusetts, twenty-five 
per cent, healthier than Virginia or Indiana, and twenty per cent, or so 
healthier than Illinois or Pennsylvania? 

Its death rate is under thirteen in the thousand. Considering that half its 
population is colored, and that the colored death rate is half greater than the 
white in all the South, I suppose the ordinai-y white death rate in Mississippi 
is not above ten in the thousand, a little more than one-third the death rate of 
New York City. 

Ill the letters I have received there is frequent mention of malaria, and a 
wholesome dread is evinced of that mysterious thing about which the faculty 
knows so little. 

I suppose there is more of it, whatever it is, in New York City in a week 
than in Mississippi in a year. At least I hear more of its performances dur- 
ing one week's visit in New York than in twelve months at home. 

The figures I gave above are from the compilations of the Census Bureau^ 
Department of Agriculture in Washington. 

My own experience, and that of men who have come from the North to Mis- 
sissippi, is tliat it is a rarely healthy climate and country, and that for deli- 
cate people, delicate in lungs or throat, with catarrhal or bronchial troubles, it 
is a home of health and comfoit. And as to malaria, tliat is more to be 
dreaded in a week on the Hudson than in all our borders in a life-time. 

I can from full knowledge and examinations, and with full responsibility, 
say that in summer or winter, in spring or fall, there need be no hesitation, on 
account of health, in coming to Mississippi, and that the delicate and non- 
robust, are likely to find here just the balmy and temperate climate which will 
enable them to live and work with comparative ease. 

Hugh Millek Thompson, 



DESCRIPTION OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, 

BY COUNTIES. 



ADAMS COUNTY. (See Map.) 

C^J ^ w3 ^^•'^^ county was established by proclamation of the Territo- 
S^I i^^ll^ rial Governor, Winthrop Sargent, April 2, 1799. The Missis- 

sippi river flows past the entire western boundary, and several 

L/U-jR)Jj small streams traverse the county which would afford good 
water-power. Natchez, the county seat, is an incorporated 
city of 9,000 inhabitants, commands a large trade, shipping 
annually about 30,000 bales of cotton. Natchez has two large cot- 
ton mills, two steam gins and grist mills, two iron foundries and 
machine shops, one cotton-seed oil mill and ice factory. The 
Natchez, Jackson & Columbus Railroad, now completed to Jackson, a 
distance of about 100 miles, has its terminus in this city. 

About half the county cleared, the balance timbered land, along creek 
bottoms, level, and back from these, undulating, rolling, and in places hilly. 
The timber trees are white, red, live and water oaks, gum, ash, cotton wood, 
poplar, beech, pine, walnut, magnolia, cypress. The soil, alluvial and rich 
loam, very productive, producing cotton, corn, sugar cane, oats, sweet and Irish 
potatoes, peanuts, hay, and all kinds of vegetables. Fruits of various kinds, 
apples, pears, peaches, apricots, etc., do well; also strawberries, blackberries, 
dewberries, etc., flourish here. 

Pasturage quite extensive — Berinuda grass for spring and summer, and 
switch-cane, on the creeks and in the woods, for winter. 

Church and school privileges very good; several private schools of high 
order in Natchez, and free public schools open ten months of the year. Society 
educated and refined. Climate mild and salubrious; thermometer rarely reaches 
98° (P.) in the summer, or goes below 25° (F.) in the winter. Desirable lands 
are cheap, ranging in price from $2.50 to $15 per acre, according to location 
and improvements. Lands sold on liberal and advantageous terms. The 
stranger seeking a home will be welcomed with hearty hospitality and will re- 
ceive kind treatment. 

United States lands for sale 80 acres. 

Delinquent lands held by State Auditor for sale .... 22,760 acres. 

Population in 1870, from United States census 19,084 

Population in 1880, from United States census 22,649 

White people 4,997 

Colored people 17,852 

Acreage in cotton in 1879 32,117 acres. 

Bales produced in 1879 19,026 bales. 

Bales made by white labor 1,902 

Bales made by black labor 17,124 

Bushels of corn produced in 1879 12,864 

Bushels of oats produced in 1879 909 

Pounds of tobacco produced in 1879 1,264 

All kinds of vegetables, fruits, etc., raised for home consumption. 



Alcobn and Amite Counties. 39 

ALCORN COUNTY. (See Mat.) 

Alcorn county was established April 15, 1870. Corinth, the county seat, is 
;3iiuated at the crossing of the Memphis & Charleston and Mobile & Ohio 
railroads, and is a flourishing and enterprising town. The Whitfield Cotton 
Factory is located here. The other towns in the county are Rieiizi, Kossuth, 
Jacinto, Danville, Winnesoga and Glendale. The Hatchie and Tuscumbia riv- 
ers, and a dozen or more creeks are in its bordars, affording good water-power. 

The character of the soil is diversified, rich alluvial black land, river and 
creek bottoms, and sandy uplands, with a clay subsoil. Products are wheat, 
corn, oats, cotton and all kind of vegetables. The grasses do well; clover, herds 
grass, orchard grass, Japan clover and native grasses, affording good hay and 
pasturage for stock of all kinds. Fruits do well, such as apples, peaches, pears, 
strawberries, blackberries and figs. 

. Transportation facilities very good — two railroads passing through the county, 
named above. About one-sixth of the county open land, the balance well tim- 
bered with pine, poplar, white, red, post and black oak, hickory, ash, sweet and 
red gum and sassafras. 

The church and school advantages are very good, with a very healthy climate, 
and society first rate. Has quite a number of saw mills and grist mills. Very 
little attention as yet paid to stock-raising or slieep husbandry, although the 
county is well adapted to both. Lands can be purchased upon reasonable 
terms at from $5 to $10 per acre; unimproved land at $1 to $5 per acre. 

Delinquent lands held by State Auditor for sale 3,.o24 acres. 

Population in 1870, from United States census 10,431 

Population in 1880, from United States census 14,272 

White people 9,863 

Colored people 4,409 

Acreage in cotton in 1379 18,863 acres. 

Bales produced in 1879 7,477 bales. 

Bales made by white labor 5,152 

Bales made by black labor 2,325 

Bushels of corn produced in 1879 381,385 

Buehels of oats produced in 1879 31,939 

Bushels of wheat produced in 1879 5,070 

Pounds of tobacco produced in 1879 14,852 

All kinds of vegetables, fruits, etc., produced for home consumption. 



AMITE COUNTY. (See Map.) 

Amite county was established February 24, 1809. It is well watered by the 
east and west branches of .-Vniite river, besides Beaver creek in the west, and 
Tickfaw in the east part of the county, with their numerous tributaries. 

Liberty is the county seat, and is distant 28 miles from Magnolia, on tha 
Chicago, St. Louis & New Orleans Railroad. There are several large tanneries 
in the county. The soil is fertile, and, bordering on the streams, very product- 
ive. Cotton, corn, oats, hay, sweet and Irish potatoes, jute, field-peas, pump- 
kins, rice, sorghum and sugar cane all grow and do well. Apples, peaches, 
figs, pears and small fruits do well and are raised for home consumption. 
Melons of all kinds and vegetables of every variety are grown. Water-power 
on nearly all streams, of the very best; a number of gins, grist and saw mills 
are run by water-power. This county contains about 460,000 acres —about 13 
per cent, open land. 100,000 acres once in cultivation are now lying out and 
the remainder timbered. Some of the lands level, most of it undulating, and 
the rest hilly. The timber consists of white, red, pin, black and other varieties 
of oak, long-leaf and short-leaf pine, poplar, beech, ash, hickory, sweet gum, 
.black gum, holly, magnolia, sassafras, locust, china, mulberry, walnut and 



40 Attala County. 

cypress. The pasturage is good and of vast extent, consisting of woodland and 
abundant old fields. Stock do well, and require very little attention for two or 
three months during the winter. It is noted for its springs and streams of 
pure freestone water, and the healthfulness of the climate will compare favor- 
ably with any section in the United States, The people are industrious and 
law-abiding. 

The lands are cheap and abundant, and can be purchased on reasonable 
terms. The Louisville, New Orleans and Texas Railroad runs through the 
western part of this county. 

United States lands for sale 9,656 acres. 

Delinquent lands held by State Auditor for sale 9,400 'acres- 
Population in 1870, from United States census 10,973 

Population in 1880. from United States census 14,004 

White people 5,494 

<^olored people 8,510 

Acreage in cotton in 1879 27,749 acres^ 

Bales produced in 1879 • 9,952 bales. 

Bales made by white labor 4,494 

Bales made by black labor 5,468 

Bushels of corn produced in 1879 262,352 

Bushels of oats produced in 1879 27.169 

Pounds of tobacco produced in 1879 3,230 

All kinds of vegetables, fruits, etc., raised for home consumption. 



ATTALA COUNTY. (See Map.) 

Attala county was established Decembtr 23, 1833. Kosciusko, the county- 
seat, is a thriving town of about 1,200 inhabitants, with a branch rail- 
road to it from Durant, on the Illinois Central Eailroad, which has 
been recently extended to Aberdeen. The Big Black river forms 
the western boundary of the county. The other water-courses are Zilpah, 
Long, Apuckta, Yockanookana, Sharkey and other creeks, affording good water- 
power. 

There is about one-third of the county open lands; level on the creek and 
river bottoms, and the rest undulating and hilly. Two-thirds well timbered 
with oaks of various kinds, hickory, pine, ash, gum, wild cherry, cypress in river 
and creek bottoms, etc. Soil on bottoms fertile, and on uplands moderately 
rich, and easily worked and improved. Fine beds of marl in various parts of 
the county. In digging a wpll for Mr. Thompson's saw mill, a few miles north 
of Kosciusko, a bed of oyster shells ten feet thick was passed through. These 
marls and oyster shells would furnish an abundance of lime for fertilizing pur- 
poses. 

Products: corn, cotton, oats wheat, potatoes, peas, peanuts, sorghum, etc.;. 
vegetables and fruits of all kinds are abundantly grown for home consump- 
tion. 

Pasturage generally good. Not much attention at present paid to stock- 
raising. Sheep husbandry could be made very profitable in this county. 

Several flour, saw and planing mills in county. A large flour mill at Kosci- 
usko. 

Church and school privileges good. The people generally are sober, indus- 
trious and law-abiding. 

Lands are cheap; can be bought: United States lands, 23,040 acres, at $1.25 
per acre, or homestead 160 acres to each individual. Land of individual own- 
ers can be purchased at from $2 to $15 per acre, according to improvements 
and location. Settlers from other States purchasing honaes in this county will, 
be treated with kindness and receive a hearty welcome. 



Bentok County. 41 

United States lands for sale 20,640 acres. 

Delinqunt lands held by State Auditor for sale 2,800 acres. 

Population in 1870, from United States census 14,776 

Population in 1880, from United States census 19,988 

White people Jl,6.53 

Colored peojjle 8,335 

Acreage in cotton in 1S79 35,950 acres. 

Bales produced in 1879 15,285 bales. 

Bales produced by white labor 9,361 

Bales made by black labor 6,924 

Bushels of corn produced in 1879 413,532 

Bushels of oats produced in 1879 66,106 

Bushels of wheat produced in 1879 6,931 

Pounds of tobacco produced in 1879 10,711 

All kinds of vegetables, fruits, etc., raised for home consumption. 



BENTON COUNTY. (Ske Map.) 

Benton county was established July l.'i, 1870. Ashland is the county seat; 
the other towns are Lamar and Michigan City, on the Illinois Central Railroad, 
and Hickory Flat, Maxy, Hamilton and Spring Hill. The water-courses are 
Wolf river, in the northern portion, and Tippah river, in the southern part of 
the county. These rivers and their tributaries give the county fine water ad- 
vantages. 

The Illinois Central Railroad runs across ihe northwestern corner of county. 

The surface of county level on creek and river bottoms; the other portions 
undulating and hilly. About one-fourth cleared land, the balance well tim- 
bered with different kinds of oak, hickory, poplar, black walnut, beech, pine, 
elm, red and sweet gum, chestnut, cypress, etc. 

Tlie soil on the creek and river bottoms and also on the gently undulating 
lands very fertile; on the hills not so fertile, but easily cultivated and improved. 
Products corn, cotton, oats, wheat, rye, barley, sweet and Irish potatoes, sor- 
ghum, etc. All kinds of garden vegetables and fruits suitable to latitude. Pas- 
turage quite extensive— native and cultivated grasses for summer, tmd switch- 
cane for winter. 

Church and school privileges very good. Society good, and climate mild 
and salubrious. 

This county lies in the lignite or brown coal region. Some beds of lignite 
have been found and coal will be probably be found in paying quantities. 
There are also good beds of marl in various portions of the county. 

Immigrants will receive a hearty welcome and kind treatment from the citi- 
zens of Benton county. 

A good many Michiganders have already settled in the county at Michigan 
City. 

Delinquent lands held by State Auditor for sale 480 acres. 

Population in 1880, from United States census 11,023 

White people 5,577 

Colored people 5,246 

Acreage in cotton in 1879 22,401 acres. 

Bales produced in 1879 8,123 bales. 

Bales made by white labor 4,271 

Bales made by black labor 3,852 

Bushels of corn produced in 1879 330,688 

Bushels of oats produced in 1879 16,684 

Bushels of wheat produced in 1879 6,073 

Pounds of tobacco produced in 1879 10,634 

All kinds of vegetables, fruits, etc., raised for home consumption. 



42 BOHYAB AND CalHOUN COTJNTIES. 

BOLIVAR COUNTY. (See Map.) 

Bolivar was established February 9th, 1836. Rosedale, the county seat, is 
situated on the Mississippi river, which flows along the whole western border of 
the county, affording transportation facilities. The other towns are Beulah, 
Nesbetts, Bolivar and Mound Landing. 

This county lies entirely in the Mississippi bottom; has a deep alluvial soil. 
Very fertile, produces a bale of cotton to the acre, or 50 to 80 bushels of corn. 
About one-sixth of the land is in cultivation, the balance heavily timbered 
with ash, sweet and red gum, hickory, white oak, pin oak, elm, walnut, cotton- 
wood, poplar, pecan, and immense cypress brakes. 

There are over 4,000,000 acres of these alluvial lands in the Mississippi 
Delta, which if protected from overflow and properly cultivated, would produce 
2,500,000 bales of cotton, and 5,500,000 bushels of corn annually, worth in the 
market $105,000,000. Surely it ought to be the policy of the United States 
Government to protect this immense and fertile domain, and add its vast pro- 
ductions to the general wealth of the United States. 

Delinquent lands held by State Auditor for sale 20,000 acres. 

Internal Improvement lands for sale 840 acres. 

Chickasaw School Lands for sale 3,840 acres. 

Population in 1870 from U. S. Census 9,732 

Population in 1880 from U. S- Census 18,652 

White people 2,694 

Colored people 16,958 

Acreage in cotton in 1879 43,330 acres. 

Bales produced in 1879 36,419 bales. 

Bales made by white labor 3,514 

Bales made by black labor 32.-905 

Bushels of oats produced in 1879 3,254 

Bushels of corn 383,466 

Pounds of tobacco 600 

All kinds of vegetables, fruits, etc., raised for home consumption. 



CALHOUN COUNTY. (See Map.) 

Calhoun county was established March 8th, 1852. Pittsboro is the county 
seat, situated near the centre of the county. The other towns are Banner, 
Sarepta and Slate Spring. The Yalobusha and Schooner rivers enter the coun-' 
ty, which, with their tributaries, give good water power. 

, County contains 370,000 acres; about 74,000 acres cleared land; creek and 
river bottoms level, some undulating and the balance hilly. Timber trees on 
bottoms, gum, poplar, elm, beech, white oak and cypress; on uplands the 
various kinds of oak, pine, hickory, etc. The soil generally fertile, producing 
corn, cotton, wheat, oats, sweet and Irish potatoes, sorghum, peanuts, field peas, 
etc. Fruits only grown for home consumption; apples, pears, peaches, figs, 
and all the small fruits do well, and yield abundantly. 

Pasturage quite extensive in the woods for summer, of native grasses Japan 
clover, [Lespedesa Striata) is spreading over the county, affording fine sheep pas- 
tures 

Grist and saw naills are scattered over the county, in easy reach of nearly 
every neighborhood. 

Church and school advantages are good in nearly every portion of the coun- 
ty. Climate mild and very healthy. Society good; the people moral and law- 
abiding. 

Beds of Lignite in various portions of the county; and coal has been found 
in the northeast corner of the county, but whether in beds wide enough to work 
profitably is not known at present. 



Caeeoll County. 43 

No attention has been paid to sheep husbandry or stock-raising, except for 
home consumption. 

The indications are that the county will be traversed by one or more railroads 
in a short time, giving it facilities for railroad transportation. The county has 
50,000 acres of good creek and river bottom lands, needing only capital and 
enterprise to develop them. Good and reliable settlers will receive a warm 
welcome. 

United States lands for sale 960 acres. 

Delin(inent lands held by State Auditor for sale, .t 4,320 acres. 

Internal improvement lands for sale 200 acres. 

Populfition in 1870 fro.n United States census 10,561 

Population in 1880 from United States census 13,492 

White people 10,191 

Colored people *• . 3,301 

Acreage in cotton in 1879 r.),028 acres. 

Bales produced in 1879 9,536 bales. 

Bales made by white labor 7,369 

Bales made by black labor 2,167 

Bushels of corn produced in 1879 853,91 9 

Bushels of oats produced in 1879 44,009 

Bushels of wheat produced in 1879 4,753 

Pounds of tobacco produced in 1879 7,926 

All kinds of vegetables, fruits, etc., raised jor home consumption. 



CARROLL COUNTY. (See Map.) 

Carroll county was established December 23d, 1833. CarroUtonis the county 
seat. The other towns are Vaiden, on the Illinois Central Railroad, Black 
Hawk, Eureka and Beckville. The Big Black river forms the southeastern 
boundary of county. The creeks are the Coila, Petticocowa. Big Sand and 
Peachahala, giving good water advantage. At CarroUton there is one of the 
largest factories in the State. 

The Illinois Qentral Railroads runs across the southeastern portion of the 
county. 

About one-fourth of the county in cultivation, the balance timbered with all 
kinds of oak, poplar, pine, gum, walnut, chesnut and cypress on river and creek 
bottoms. Tlie soil fertile on the creeks, in the hills not so rich, but free and 
easily cultivated and improved. The productions are cotton, corn, oats, wheat, 
field peas, peanuts, sorghum and potatoes, (Irish and sweet). All kinds of 
vegetables and fruits. 

Pasturage good and extensive, consisting of native grasses for summer, and 
switch-cane and the run of the plantation for winter. Stock-raising oould be 
made very profitable in Carroll county. 

Fine beds of ''green-sand marl"' near Yaiden and in other portions of county. 
Lignite or brown coal has been found. 

Church and school privileges very good. The citizens are moral, industrious 
and law-abiding. The climate is mild and very healthy, lands cheap — unim- 
proved at from $2 to §5 x^er acre; improved at from §5 to $15 per acre accord- 
ing to improvements, fertility and location. 

A good class of immigrants will be welcomed and receive kind treatment. 

United States lands for sale 5,080 acres. 

Delinquent lauds held by State Auditor for sale , . . . . 8,360 acres. 

Population in 1870 from United States census 21.047 

Population in 1880 from United States census 17.759 

White people 7,831 

Colored j^eople 9,969 

Acreage in cotton in 1879 37,957 acres. 



44 Chickasaw County. 

Bales produced in 1879 17,423 bales. 

Bales produced by white labor 8,274 

Bales produced by black labor 9,140 

Bushels of corn produced in 1879 315,722 

Bushels of oats produced in 1879 22,154 

Bushels or wheat produced in 1879 1,973 

Pounds of tobacco produced in 1879 2,460 

All kinds of vegetables, fruits, etc., raised for home consumption. 

Note — In 1871, parts of this county were given to Leflore and Montgomery. 



CHICKASAW COUNTY. (See Map.) 

Chickasaw county was established February 8th, 1836. Houston is the county 
seat, but courts are also held at Okolona, on the Mobile and Ohio Railroad, an 
enterprising town of about 2,000 inhabitants. The county is well watered with 
creeks, running through alrrost every portion. In the hilly parts, numerous 
springs, and in the sandy lands good water can be obtained by digging from 20 
to 30 feet. 

About 270,000 acres of land in the county; part level, part hilly, and the 
balance undulating. The timber trees are, various kinds of oak, -hickory, wal- 
, nut, beech, ash, poplar, pine, chestnut, etc. 

The eastern portion of the county consists of prairies, which have a soil 
of great depth and fertility of limestone formation. All the creek bot- 
toms are very rich. Middle portion sandy and hilly, but when fresh, very fer- 
tile. 

The western portion flatwoods, and well timbered, but with a soil clayey and 
stifiE. 

The products are corn, cotton, sweet and Irish potatoes, wheat, oats, all the 
grasses, rye, barley, etc. All kinds of vegetables do well, and are grown in 
abundance. Fruits, such as apples, pears, peaches, figs, grapes, apricots, etc., 
and all the small fruits do well. Many are turning their attention to growing 
fruits with success and profit. 

The Mobile and Ohio Railroad runs through the eastern border of the county 
from North to South. No manufacturies, except saw and grist mills, both for 
wheat and corn, and two tanneries. 

Churches and schools are accessible to every family. Society very good and 
climate very agreeable and healthy. 

Pasturage very extensive, and stock-raising could be made profitable. 

The citizens of Chickasaw county will give a hearty welcome to good, indus- 
trious and reliable new-comers, from any section of the United States or 
Europe. Lands can be purchased upon liberal terms, as to time and price — 
$2 to $20 per acre, according to location and improvements. 

Delinquent lands held by State Auditor for sale 5,640 acres. 

Population in 1870 from United States census 19,899 

Population in 1880 from United States census 17,905 

White people 7,689 

Colored people 10,215 

Acreage in cotton in 1879 38,477 acres. 

Bales produced in 1879 12,861 bales. 

Bales made by white labor 5,905 bales. 

Bales made by black labor 6,956 bales. 

Bushels of corn produced in 1879 512,005 

Bushels of oats produced in 1879 49,627 

Bushels of wheat produced in 1879 9,033 

Pounds of tobacco produced in 1879 10,926 

All kinds of vegetables, fruits, etc., raised for home consumption. 

Note — In 1872, part of Clay, and in 1874, part of Webster was taken from 
this county. 



Choctaw and Claibobne Counties. 45 

CHOCTAW COUNTY. (See Map.) 

Choctaw county was established December 23d, 1833. Chester is the county 
seat; the other towns are French Camps, Dido, LaGrange and New Prospect. 
Water courses are the Big Black river, Yockanookana, McCurtains and 
Lobutchie creeks, giving good water to the county. 

There is a prospect for railroads at an early day. The Georgia Pacific will 
run through the northern part, and the Kosciusko, West Point and Aberdeen 
Railroad, runs through the southern corner of county. 

About one-third of the land in cultivation, and the surface is level on creek 
and river bottoms, off from them undulating and hilly. The soil on hills, 
sandy, with very rich bottom lands, which compare favorably with any in the 
State. 

Products — cotton, corn, oats, wheat, sorghum, potatoes and grasses. 

Timber growth consists of various kinds of oak, hickory, pine, beech, gum, 
etc. All kinds of vegetables and fruits suitable to the latitude grow here and 
yield in abundance. 

Pastui-age, the native grasses for summer, and switch-cane and the run of 
farms for winter. 

Coal and iron ore have been discovered, but as yet not developed. There are 
beds of good green-sand marl in various parts of county. 

Climate mild and salubrious, never-failing springs of good water abundant. 

Church and school privileges good. Society is composed of kind-hearted, 
hospitable and law-abiding people. 

The lands are capable of the highest improvement, and are cheap. Unim- 
proved lands can be purchased at from $1 to $5 per acre, and improved lands 
at from )$5 to $10 per acre. Good, industrious and reliable settlers will receive 
the kindest treatment. 

United States lands for sale 8,G40 acres. 

Delinquent lands held by State Auditor for sale .5,760 acres. 

Population in 1870 from United States census 10,988 

Population in 1880 from United States census 9,036 

White people 6,535 

Colored people 2,500 

Acreage in cotton in 1879 13,397 acres. 

Bales produced in 1879 5,757 bales. 

Bales made by white labor 4, 606 

Bales made by black labor 1,151 

Bushels of corn produced in 1879 243,287 

Bushels of oats produced in 1879 38,709 

Bushels of wheat produced in 1879 9,413 

Pounds of tobacco produced in 1879 12,.300 

All kinds of vegetables, fruits, etc., raised for home consumption. 

Note — In 1871, part of Montgomery, and in 1871, part of Webster, was taken 
from this county. 

CLAIBORNE COUNTY, (See Map.) 

Claiborne county was established January 27th, 1802. Port Gibson is the 
county seat, with 2.500 inhabitants. The other towns are Grand Gulf, Rocky 
Springs, St. Elmo, Hermanville, Carlisle, Tilman and Martin. The Mississippi 
river runs along the western boundarv, and Big Black the Northern — both nav- 
igable. 

The Baj'ou Pierre river runs through the centre of the county, which, with its 
numerous tributaries, makes one of the best watered counties in the State. 

A cotton mill and cotton-seed oil mill have been chartered at Port Gibson. 
Railroads are: the Louisville, New Orleans & Texas, the Natchez, Jackson & 
Columbus and the Gulf & Ship Island. 



^6 Clakke County. 

The general character of the soil is very fertile. Produces cotton, corn, 
rice, oats, field peas, potatoes, sorghum, sugar cane, melons and all kinds of 
fruits. 

The county has fine water-power — Scutcheloe Falls, a very fine one, near the 
Natchez & Jackson Railroad. 

Facilities for transportation very fine, both by river and railroad, at reason- 
able rates. 

About one-third open lands, balance timber; some of this land broken and 
hilly, balance undulating and level. Timber trees: poplar, walnut, magnolia, 
pine, gum, hickory and all kinds of oak. 

Church and school privileges very good. Pasturage very extensive — a large 
area of very fine Bermuda grass for summer, and switch-cane for winter. A 
fine country for stock-raising and sheep husbandry. 

The climate generally health}'. Society good. 

Some beds of lignite, or brown coal, have been found. Many water, steam 
mills and gins in county. 

Good, reliable and industrious immigrants desired, and will be warmly wel- 
comed and kindly treated by the citizens of Claiborne county. 

United States lands for sale 280 acres. 

Delinquent Irnds held by State Auditor for sale ; . . . 800 acres. 

Population in 1870, from United States census 13,386 

Population in 1880, from United States census 16,768 

White people 3,910 

Colored people 12,858 

Acreage in cotton, in 1879 33,121 acres. 

Bales produced in 1879 18.518 bales. 

Bales made by white labor 4,508 

Bales made by black labor 14,010 

Bushels of corn produced in 1879 197,568 

Bushels of oats produced in 1879 1,290 

Pounds of tobacco produced in 1879 1,010 

All kinds of vegetables, fruit, etc., raised for home consumption. 



CLARK;E COUNTY. (See Map.) 

Clarke county was established December 23, 1833. Quitman, the county seat, 
is situated on the Mobile & Ohio Railroad, which runs from north to south 
through the whole length of county. The other towns are Enterprise, DeSoto 
and Shubuta. The Chickasahay river flows through the centre of the county, 
which, with its tributaries, gives to the county magnificent water-power. The 
New Orleans & Northeastern Railroad, now completed from Meridian to New 
Orleans, La., runs through the whole county. This road, with the M. & 0. 
Railroad, affords splendid raih'oad facilities. The Stonewall cotton factory 
and the Wanita cotton and woolen mills are located in this county. 

About one-fourth the county cleared land, the balance well timbered, princi- 
pally with long-leaf or yellow pine, the other growth on water-courses, the dif- 
ferent kinds of oak, hickory, magnolia, beech, pecan, etc. The soil is light and 
sandy on the upland, generally with a clay subsoil, easily improved and culti- 
vated — on the bottom, fertile. The products are cotton, corn, oats, peas, pea- 
nuts, sugar cane, rice, etc. All kinds of vegetables and fruits grow well and are 
raised. Pasturage good and very extensive. Stock-raising and sheep hus- 
bandry could be made very profitable. 

There are large beds of the finest marl in various parts of this county, which 
have been used to some extent. 

Church and school advantages very good; society excellent, and the climate 
as healthy as any in the United States. 

To honest, industrious and reliable immigrants, the citizens of this county 
■will extend a hearty welcome and kind treatment. 



Clay County, 47 

United States lands for sale 45,640 acres. 

Delinquent lands held by State Auditor for sale 28,500 acres. 

Population in 1870, from United States census 7,505 

Population in 1880, from United States census 15,022 

White people .' 7,230 

Colored people 7,792 

Acreage in cotton in 1879 15.936 acres. 

Bales produced in 1879 4,693 bales. 

Bales made by white labor 1,984 

Bales made b}^ black labor 2,707 

Bushels of corn produced in 1879 174,712 

Bushels of oats produced in 1879 30,101 

Pounds of tobacco produced in 1879 8,870 

All kinds of vegetables, fruits, etc., raised for home consumption. 



CLAY COUNTY. (See Map.) 

Clay county was established May 12, 1871. West Point, the county seat, has 
2,290 inhabitants, and is situated on the Mobile <k Ohio Railroad. The other 
towns are Tibbee, Palo Alto and Siloam. The water-courses: The Tombigbee 
runs along the eastern border, and in the county the Tibbee, Line creek, 
Houlka and Chickatouchy. The Mobile & Ohio Railroad runs through the 
county from north to south, which, with- the Tombigbee river, affords good 
transportation. Costs $'d.75 to send a bale of c-jtton to Mobile, Ala., by 
rail. 

The lands of this county are generally undulating and level; soil very fertile, 
black hammock, prairie and sandy; about one-third open lands and two-thirds 
timbered and bottom lands. Produces abundantly cotton, corn, oats, wheat, 
sorghum, field peas, all the grasses, fruits of all kinds suitable to the climate, 
and vegetables in great profusion. 

The open timber and bottom lands afford fine pasturage for eight months in 
the year, and switch-cane in the creek bottoms for the winter months. Timber 
trees are oaks of all kinds, hickory, ash, gum, poplar, chestnut, walnut, beech, 
maple, etc. 

Climate salubrious and bracing; society excellent. Several steam mills in 
various parts of the county. 

Improved and unimproved lands can,be bought on reasonable terms, in quan- 
tities to suit purchasers. Immigrants are offered every inducement to settle, 
and are received and treated kindlj% Fair wages are paid laborers and mechan- 
ics; employment easily and readily obtained. A good county for immigrants 
to go to, and they will receive a hearty welcome. 

United States lands for sale 200 acres. 

Delinquent lands held by State Auditor for sale 1,360 acres. 

Population in 1880, from United States census 17,367 

White people 5,254 

Colored people 12,113 

Acreage in cotton in 1879 41,656 acres. 

Bales produced in 1879 13,137 bales. 

Bales made by white labor 3,088 

Bales -made by black labor 10,049 

Bushels of corn produced in 1879 400,397 

Bushels of o .ts produced in 1879 35,582 

Bushels of wheat produced in 1879 2,137 

Pounds of tobacco produced in 1879 11,750 

All kiids of vegetables, fruits, etc., raised for home consumption. 



48 Coahoma and Copiah Counties. 

COAHOMA COUNTY. (See Map.) 

Coahoma county was established February 9, 1836. Friars Point is the 
county seat, situated on the Mississippi river, which flows along the whole west- 
ern border of the county. The Sunflower river runs through centre, and there 
are numerous lakes and bayous in county. 

The Mobile & Northwestern Railroad is finished and in running order from 
Glendale, on the Mississippi, to Clarksdale, affording railroad facilities. 
Transportation by river to New Orleans is $1.25 per bale of cotton. 

This county lies entirely in the Mississippi bottom, with very fertile alluvial 
soil of two kinds — sandy and buckshot — fine for cotton and corn. The timber 
trees are various kinds of oaks, white oak predominating, cottonwood, poplar, 
walnut, red and sweet gum, hickory, cypress, etc. The crops grown are cotton, 
corn, potatoes, oats; all the grasses do well; fruits and vegetables of all kinds 
are grown for ,home use. The lands when well cultivated, will produce from 
one to two bales of cotton per acre. 

Church and school privileges good in nearly every part of county. Health 
on average with the other counties in the bottom ; some malarial fevers in the 
autumn, which yield readily to medical treatment. 

This county has a large amount of improved and unimproved lands, which 
will be sold on easy terms and at prices from $2 to $25 per acre, according to 
improvements and location. 

The people of Coahoma county will welcome good^ industrious and reliable 
settlers, no matter from where they hail; provided they come to make pei'ma- 
nent homes in the county. 

Delinquent lands held by State Auditor for sale 25,000 acres. 

Internal Improvement lands for sale 160 acres. 

Chickasaw school lands for sale 12,800 acres. 

Population in 1870, from United States census 7,144 

Population in 1880, from United States census 13,568 

White people 2,409 

Colored people 11,154 

Acreage in cotton in 1879 32,964 acres. 

Bales produced in 1879 26,287 bales. 

Bales made by white labor 1,022 

Bales made by black labor 25,265 

Bushels of corn produced in 1879 338,054 

Bushels of wheat produced in 1879 832 

Bushels of oats produced in 1879 2,340 

All kinds of vegetables, fruits, etc., raised for home consumption. 



COPIAH COUNTY. (See Map.) 

Copiah county was established January 21, 1823. Hazlehurst, the county 
seat, is situated on the Illinois Central Railroad. The other towns are Crystal 
Springs, Gallatin, Beauregard and Wesson, on same railroad, and Rockport 
and Georgetown, on Pearl river, which flows along the eastern border of the 
county, navigable for about six months in the year. Bayou Pierre, Fos- 
ter's Creek, Bushy Creek, and numerous other creeks, afford good water- 
power. 

Factoeies. — The Mississippi Cotton and Woolen Mills are located at Wesson, 
in this county, and are fully described in another part of this pamphlet. The 
Illinois Central Railroad runs through the county from north to south. 

The surface of the counby is level, undulating and hilly. Hazlehurst is 430 
feet, and Crystal Springs 450 feet above tide-water at New Oleans, La. The 
soil is sandy, with clay subsoil, with rich alluvial creek and river bottoms. 
Timber growth: pine, red post and white oak, hickory, elm, maple, poplar, 



GoviNGTON County. 49^ 

gum, and cypress on river bottoms. The products of the soil are cotton, corn, 
oats, wheat, sugar cane, sorghum, upland rice, Irish and sweet potatoes, field 
peas, ground peas, and vegetables and melons of all kinds. Fruits, such as 
peaches, pears, grapes, figs, and all the small fruits do well and are extensively 
cultivated for mai-ket. At Crystal Springs, there are between 50 and 60 acres 
in strawberi-ies, and on the 1.5th March, 1882, Mr. S. H. Stackhouse made his 
first shipment of strawberries to the Chicago market. Prospects for a good 
fruit crop excellent tliis year. Hazlehurst and other points on the railroad iu 
this county ship large amounts of fruits and vegetables to the Western cities 
and New Orleans, La. 

Pasturage extensive, and good for nine months in the year. 

Society good. Mild and healthy climate. 

Schools and church advantages excellent. 

United States lands foi- sale , 1..500 acres. 

Delinquent lands held by State Auditor for sale 16,000 acres. 

Population in 1870, from United States census 20,608 

Population in 1880, from United States census 27,552 

White people 13,106 

Colored peopje 14,438 

Acreage in cotton in 1879 54,616 acres. 

Bales produced iu 1879 23,726 bales. 

Bales made by white labor 7,978 

Bales made by black labor . . . . ^ 1 5,748 

Bushels of corn produced in 1879 447,197 

Bushels of oats produced in 1879 59.021 

Pounds of tobacco produced in 1879 5,449 

All kinds of vegetables, fruits, etc., raised for home consumption. 



COVINGTON COUNTY. (See Map.) 

Covington county was established Janiiary 5, 1S19. Williamsburg is the 
county seat, situated near the centre of the county. There are numerous large 
and small creeks flowing through the county, which vrould afford fine water- 
power for mills and factories. 

Surface of the couuty is undulating; on the creek bottoms, level. The whole 
county, with the exception of about one-sixth, is finely timbered with the long- 
leaf or yellow pine; on the creek bottoms, white and water oak, hickory, ash, 
beech, magnolia, etc., are found. 

Good pasture for cattle and sheep during all the year, with the exception of 
one or two months. Stock-raising could be made very profitable. 

On the uplands the soil is generally thin and sandy, but the creek bottoms 
are fertile. Products are cotton, corn, oats, sweet and Irish potatoes sugar cane, 
sorghum, ground peas, field peas, all the vegetables, and such fruits as peaches, 
apples, pears, plums, figs, pomegranates and apricots do well. The scupper- 
noner grape grows luxuriantly and yields abundantly. The pecan tree does 
well and bears nuts plentifully. 

Game. — Fish abundant in the creeks, and deer, wild turkeys, raccoons, opos- 
sums, wild ducks, etc., are to be found for the hunting. 

Climate mild and salubrious. Society plain — a God-fearing and law abiding 
people. 

Church and school privilege good. < 

By industry and economy every one can make a good living in Covington 
county. 

United States lands for sale 157,240 acres. 

Delinquent lands held by State Auditor for sale 1,020 acres. 

Population in 1870 from United States census 4,753 

Population in 1880 from United States census 5,993 

4 



50 DeSoto and Fsankun Couhties. 

White people ' 3,991 

Colored people 2,002 

Acreage in cotton in 1879 6,968 acres. 

Bales produced in 1879 2/)71 bales. 

Bales made by white labor 1,519 

Bales made by black labor 652 

Bushels of corn produced in 1879 15,088 

Bushels of oats produced in 1879 32,215 

Pounds of tobacco produced in 1879 4,743 

All kinds of vegetables, fruits, etc., raised for home consumption. 



DeSOTO county. (See Map.) 

DeSoto county was established February 9th, 1836. Hernando, the county 
seat, is located on the Mississippi and Tennessee Railroad, twenty-five miles 
from Memphia, Tennessee. This railroad runs from north to south through 
centre of county. The other towns are Horn Lake, Pleasant Hill, Olive 
Branch, 'etc. The two western townships of county are situated on the Missis- 
sippi river which forms their western boundary. Tne Coldwater river 
flows nearly through the centre, affording with its tributaries fine water ad- 
vantages. 

The uplands are of yellow clay loam soil, and the bottom land alluvial and 
very fertile. The surface of county level, undulating and hilly. The timber 
growth consists of the different kinds of oak, poplar, walnut, red and sweet gum, 
cypress, etc. The products are cotton, corn, oats, wheat, tobacco, sorghum, all 
the grasses, vegetables and fruits of various kinds do remarkably well and pro- 
duce abundantly. 

Pasturage quite extensive. Bermuda and native gf asses for summer aud the 
run of the plantations and switch-cane for winter. Stock-raising could be 
made profitable in this county. Good marls have been found in jjortions of 
DeSoto county. 

The church and school privileges are good. Society very good, and climate 
m.ild and salubrious. 

Maj. T. C. Dockery, near Hernando, has turned his attention to fruit raising, 
especially grape growing and wine making. He has been very successful. 

Lands are cheap, improved lands at from f 3 to $20 per acre, and unimproved 
at $2 to $10 according to location and improvements. A good class of immi- 
grants will receive a hearty welcome and kmd treatment if they settle in this 
county. 

Delinquent lands held by State Auditor for sale 1,360 acres. 

Population in 1870 from United States census 32,021 

Population in 1880 from United States census '..... 22,924 

White people 7,580 

Colored people 15,344 

Acreage in cotton in 1879 60,488 

Bales produced in 1879 28,469 bales. 

Bales made by white labor 9,456 

Bales made by black labor 19,01 8 

Bushels of corn produced in 1879 581,272 

Bushels of oats produced in 1879 18,008 

Bushels of wheat produced in 1879 7,283 

Pounds of tobacco produced in 1879 12,026 

All kinds of vegetables, fruits, e^c, raised for home consumption. 

Note — In 1873, part of this county was cut off to form Tate county. 



FRANKLIN COUNTY. (See Map.) 

Franklin county was established December 21st, 1809. Meadville is the 
county seat, situated near the centre of the county. The Homcchitto river 



Geeene County. S'l 

runs through the county from northeast to southwest, which, together with its 
tributaries, Middle Fork, Morgan's Fork, Wallis creek, Beaver creek, McOall's 
creek, etc., gives it splendid water power advantages. About one-fourth open 
land, the balance well timbered. 

On the river and creek bottoms land level, some portions undulatmg, others 
broken and hilly. Timber trees— long-leaf pine, oaks of all kinds, hickory, wal- 
nut, poplar, magnolia, cypress, etc. 

Soil on the bottom lands very fertile, the undulatmg good, and on the hills 
thin. Products, cotton, corn, oats, sugar-cane, sorghum, field peas, sweet and 
Irish potatoes, etc. 

Fruits only raised for home consumption; such as peaches, apples, pears, tigs, 
etc. Melons and all kinds of vegetables do well, and are grown for home use. 

Pasturage extensive — good summer an^l winter range for stock; the native 
grasses for summer, the run of the plantations and switch-caue for winter. 

Considerable attention is being paid to stock-raising and sheep husbandry, 
and with flattering success. -,. . 

Lands can be purchased at from 50 cents to $15 per acre, according to qual- 
ity, improvements and location. All that is needed is capital and good and in- 
dustrious settlers to develop the resources, and build up the waste places in th© 
county. ■ .1 • 

Fine beds of marl have been found on the Homochitto river m this county. 

United States lands for sale 20,080 acres. 

Delinquent lands held by State Auditor for sale 4,J-0 acres. 

Population in 1870 from United States census "i4y8 

Population in 1880 from United States census 9r729 

White people 4,580 

Colored people *'°{^ 

Acreage in cotton in 1879 18,211 acres. 

Bales produced in 1879 '^'^^'-^ 

Bales made by white labor . J^'*r^ 

Bales made by black labor ir rQi 

Bushels of corn produced in 1879 ■*■ 1,7 

Bushels of oats produced in 1879 t'n^ 

Pounds of tobacco produced in 1879 8,08- 

All kinds of vegetables, fruits, etc., raised for home consumption. 



GREENE COUNTY. (See Map.) 

Greene county was established December 9th, 1811. Leakesville is the county 
seat. The Leaf and Chickasahay rivers flow through the county. Big Creek, a 
large stream, empties into the Chickasahay below Leaksville. Many smaller 
creeks in the county. 

The Mobile and Ohio Railroad touches the northeast corner of the county. 
Spirits of turpentine is manufactured a+ State Line 

Surface of the county generally undulating— level on river and creek bot- 
toms. Long-leaf or yellow pine the principal timber, with liickory, oak, gum, 
poplar, holly and magnolia, on river and creek bottoms. The soil on the rivers 
and creeks fertile, and the pine iiplands capable of being made to produce 
good crops of corn, cotton, sugar-cane, rice, peanuts and sweet potatoes. 
All vegetables and fruits do well. Peaches and grapes, (scuppernong es- 
pecially). t-T J * 

Many of the creeks have fine water power, and but few of them utilized tor 
grist and saw mills. 

Transportation principally by wagon to railroad. A small steamboat plies 
occasionally as far up as Leaf postoffice on Leaf river. 

Pasturage extensive, and of the best quality; no finei- range in the world for 
cattle and sheep. Almost every one has some cattle and sheep, and sheep hus- 
bandry is rapidly growing in favor. 



•52 Geenada County. 

There is probably no healthier country, in the world. The people are peace- 
ful, law-abiding and intelligent. Public schools are open four months in the 
year. A church in every neighborhood — Methodists, Baptists and Presbyte- 
rian. 

Several marl beds in county, but none developed. 

The timber or logging business is most generally followed. 

United States lands for sale 212,000 acres. 

Delinquent lands by State Auditor for sale 2,640 acres. 

Pbpulation in 1870 from United States census 2,038 

Papulation in 1880 f roin^United States census 3,194 

White people .' 2,382 

Colored people 812 

Acreage in cotton in 1879 35 

Bales produced in 1879 12 bales. 

Bales made by white labor 12 

Bushels of corn produced in 1879 27,271 

Bushels of oats produced in 1879 5,791 



GRENADA COUNTY. (See Map.) 

Grenada county was established May 9th, 1870. Grenada is the county seat, 
and situated at the junction of the Mississippi and Tennessee Railroad with 
the Illinois Central Railroad, with a population of about 2,000. The other 
towns are Elliott, Hardy and Graysport. Water courses are the Yalobusha river, 
running through the center of the county from East to West, and the Schooner 
river, with their tributaries. 

The railroads are the Illinois Central and the Mississippi and Tennessee, 
from Grenada to Memphis, Tenn. Several chartered roads are projected to 
pass through Grenada, the county town, and when completed, will make it a 
great railroad centre. 

The soil of the county is a yellow loam of good fertility. The principal 
products, are: cotton, corn, oats and wheat, rye, millet, and the various 
grasses do well. Sweet and Irish potatoes and all the garden vegetables grow 
luxuriantly, and yield abundantly. 

Fruits, such as peaches, pears, figs, early apples, and most of the small 
fruits and berries, of various kinds, do well, and some have made money by 
i-aising them for sale. The market for them is Chicago, St. Louis and New Or- 
leans. 

The timber trees are great in quantity and of various kinds. Oaks of all 
sorts, pine, hickory, poplar, sweet and black gum and cypress. 
• Church and school privileges very good. Many private schools, and about 
60 public free schools for from four to five months in the year. A salubrious 
climate, and good societj^ 

Pasturage very fine — natural grasses and switch-cane lasting nearly all the 
year. Industrious and reliable immigrants desired, and will receive a hearty 
welcome. 

■ United States lands for sale 1 2,320 acres. 

Delinquent lands held by State Auditor for sale 30,160 acres. 

Internal improvement lands for sale 1,800 acres. 

Population in 1870 from United States census 10,571 

Population in 1880 from United States census 12,071 

White people 3,237 

Colored people 8,834 

Acreage in cotton in 1879 25,390 acres. 

Bales produced in 1879 10,228 bales. 

Bales made by white labor 3,402 

Bales made by black labor 6,826 

Bushels of corn produced in 1879 163,580 

Bushels of oats produced in 1879 6,223 



Haxoook and Haekison Counties. ^ 63 

Bushels of whecat produced in 1879 63 

Pounds of tobacco produced in 1879 2,113 

All kinds of vegetables, fruits, etc., raised for home consumption. 



HANCOCK COUNTY. (See Map.) 

Hancock county was established December 14th, 1812. The county seat, 
Bay St. Louis, is an enterprising town of about 2,000 inhabitants. Pearling- 
ton 500, Gainsville, 350 inhabitants. 

The water courses are Jordan river, and part of Wolf river. The Pearl 
river flows along the whole western boundary of the county, affording fine 
transportation for the immense quantity of lumber sawed upon the banks. At 
Pearlington Messrs. Favre, Poitevant & Co., have the largest and most exten- 
sive saw mill in the South. There are six saw mills in the county, and one 
large and profitable woolen mill at UUmanville, near Bay St. Louis. This mill 
is spoken of in another part of this pamphlet. 

The ralroads are the Louisville and Nashville, from Mobile to New Orleans, 
which runs along the Gulf Coast through the whole southern portion of the 
county; and the New Orleans and Northeastern, which runs through the county 
from northeast to southwest. 

L;ind mostly timbered with long-leaf or yellow pine; and is level or gradu- 
ally undulating. Soil, sandy, producing all kinds of vegetables, melons, sweet 
and Irish potatoes, peanuts, peas; also fruits, such as oranges, pears, strawber- 
ries, blackberries, dewberries, etc., which find a ready sale in New Orleans and 
Mobile. All kinds of Gulf saltwater fish, and oysters in great abundance 
Game, such as wild turkeys, deer, wild ducks, wild geese, etc., afford fine sport 
for hunters. 

Pasturage unexcelled for sheep and cattle. Increase of'stock: Cattle, one 
thousand head per annum, and 74,000 pounds of wool made. Twelves churches 
(of all denominations) and 44 schools in county. Climate mild and salubri- 
ous, with fine sea bathing in the season for it. 

This is a good county to live in, and many resort to the towns along the 
Gulf for sea bathing in summer, and health in winter. 

United States lands for sale L'5l,G40 acres. 

Delinquent lands held by State Auditor for sale 1,320 

Population in 1870 from United States census 4,239 

Population in 1880 from United States census 6,4G0 

White people 4,643 

Colored people 1,817 

Bushels of corn x>roduced in 1879 410 

Bushels of oats produced in 1879 5,300 

All ki^ds of vegetables, fruits, etc., raised for home consumption. 



HARRISON COUNTY. (See Map.) 

Harrison county was established February 5, 1841, The Gulf of Mexieo 
rolls in its waves on its whole southern shore. Mississippi City, Pass Chris- 
tian and Biloxi are the towns on the New Orleans & Mobile Railroad, and also 
on the Gulf. Water-courses are the Biloxi, Wolf and Jourdan rivers, with their 
tributaries. 

At Biloxi there is a tin canning establishment of Messrs. Lopez, Elmer & 
Co., for canning shrimps, oysters, fruits of various kinds, and vegetables. 

The soil is sandy and not very fertile, but can be made to produce good 
crops of fruits and vegetables by using oyster-shell lime, swamp muck and 
marls. There are several fine orange and peach orchards and vineyards in the 
county. The peach, apple, plum, pomegranate, pear and fig, pecan, grape of 



54 Hinds County. 

many varieties, strawberries, dewberries, blackberries, and melons of various 
kinds grow in great profusion and yield good returns. Wine-making has made 
considerable progress in this county. Mr. A . V. Davis, of Pass Christian, has 
eighty acres of the scuppernong grape, and is making first-class still and 
sparkling wines on an extensive scale, for which he finds a ready sale. There 
are many other vineyards in this county. 

The land is generally undulating, and in the northern portion is covered with 
large yellow or long-leaf pine, but as you approach the Gulf coast, the trees 
are much smaller. 

Pasturage very fine for ten months in the year. School and church privi- 
leges good; fine private schools, and the public free schools are maintained for 
from four to five months each year. Climate salubrious at all seasons, and so- 
ciety good. Fine sea-bathing all along the coast. 

Sheep husbandry is one of the most profitable industries, and many new 
flocks are being started. 

United States lands for sale 217,200 acres. 

Population in 1870, from United States census 5,795 

Population in 1880, from United States census 7,895 

White people 5,746 

Colored people 2,149 

Acreage in cotton in 1879 26 acres. 

Bales produced in 1879 11 bales. 

Bales made by white labor 11 

Bushels of corn produced in 1879 15,130 

Bushels of oats produced in 1879 2,110 

All kinds of vegetables, fruits, etc., raised for home consumption. 



HINDS COUNTY. (See Map.) 

Hinds county was established February 12, 1821. Raymond is the county 
seat, but courts are also held at Jackson, the Capital of the State. Jackson is 
the principal town, with a population of 5,509. The other towns are Edwards, 
Bolton, Brownsville^ Auburn, Cayuga, Clinton, Terry, Byram, Utica, Learned, 
©akley, Adams and Carpenter. Pearl river flows along the eastern boundary 
of the county, and Big Black the western. Baker's Creek and numerous small 
streams flow through the county. 

The Illinois Central Railroad runs from north to south iii the eastern part of 
the county, and the Vicksburg & Meridian runs through the centre from east to 
west. The other railroads are the Natchez, Jackson & Columbus, which is com- 
pleted from Natchez, in Adams county, to Jackson, and the Yazoo & Missis- 
sippi Valley Railroad, completed within the past year, and which runs from 
Yazoo City to Jackson, through a country hitherto without railroad transporta- 
tion. 

At Jackson, there is one cotton-seed oil factory, one ice factory, one ferti- 
lizer factory, P3arl River Foundry and Agricultural Works, McDonnell's Foun- 
dry and Machine Shops, and Kirklaud's Agricultural Works, all of which do 
good and substantial work, and one cotton compress, which l^has a capacity of 
500 bales per day. 

The surface of the county is generally undulating, and the soil of rich yellow 
loam, producing good crops of corn, cotton, oats, grasses for hay and pasture, 
Irish and sweet potatoes, sugar cane, sorghum, etc. All kinds of vegetables do 
well. Fruits, such as peaches, pears, figs, plums, strawberries, etc., grow and 
mature well in.this county. Terry station seems to be in the centre of the 
peach belt, and some seasons ships 47,000 boxes of peaches, as well as large 
quantities of small fruits. 

About two-thirds of the county still in timber land of all varieties^pine, 
oaks, (white, red and black,) hickory, elm, beech and cypress. 

Pasturage quite extensive of Bermuda grass, Japan clover. 



Holmes County. 55 

Church and school advantages good. At Clinton, one excellent college for 
males and one for female students. Society good. 

Lands can be purchased at $2 for unimproved, and at |5 to $15 per acre for 
improved, according to improvements and location. 

New settlers from aay of the other States, or from Europe, will receive kind 
treatment and a warm welcome. 

Delinquent lauds held by State Auditor for sale 5,640 acres. 

Population in 1870, from United States census 30,488 

Population in 1880, from United States census 43,959 

White people 11,671 

Colored people 32,288 

Acreage in cotton in 1879 80,031 acres. 

Bales produced in 1879 36,684 bales. 

Bales made by white labor 6,438 

Bales made by black labor 30,246 

Bushels of corn produced in 1879 532,636 

Bushels of oats produced in 1879 26,380 

Bushels of wheat produced in 1879 130 

Pounds of tobacco produced in 1879 3,568 

All kinds of vegetables, fruits, etc., raised for home consumption. 



HOLMES COUNTY. (See Map.) 

Holmes county was established February 19, 1823. The county seat is Lex- 
ington, about the centre of the county. The other towns are Durant, Good- 
man, AVest Station and Pickens, on the railroad, with the villages of Richland, 
Ebenezer, Acoua, Bowling Green and Eulogy, scattered over the county. A 
wagon factory at Durant. 

The Illinois Central Railroad runs from north to south through tlie county. 
The AVest & East Railroad, from Durant to Lexington. 

The soil is black and loamy in the bottom lands, and black and sandy in the 
uplands. AVill average a half bale of cotton or 15 to 20 bushels of corn j)er 
acre on uplands. Cotton, corn, oats, wheat, field })eas, millet, sugar cane, sor- 
ghum and the grasses do well, and remunerative crops are made. 

Transportation facilities on the Yazoo river on the west, and the railroad on 
the east. Costs to send a bale of cotton of 500 pounds to market by river $1.50; 
by railroad $3. 

Timber trees are all kinds of oak, pine, walnut, poplar, ash, hickory, gum 
and cypress. Pasturage extensive, of native grasses — Bermuda, Lesjpediza, 
(Japan clover,) and crab grass. 

All the fruits — peaches, pears, early apples, figs, plums, etc., and strawberries 
— do well. Near Durant, and on the railroad, considerable attention is paid to 
raising small fruits, which find a ready market in Chicago, Illinois. 

Climate healthy, society good, and energetic and industrious immigrants will 
be heartily welcomed and kindly treated. Price of lands from $2 to $15 per 
acre, according to quality and location. 

United States lands for sale 80 acres. 

Delinquent lands held by State Auditor for sale 27,640 acres. 

Internal Improvement lands for sale 3,880 acres. 

Population in 1870, from United States census 19,370 

Population in 1880, from United States census 27,162 

White people 6,907 

Colored people 20,245 

Acreage in cotton in 1879 62,556 acres. 

Bales produced in 1879 • 30,463 bales. 

Bales made by white labor 7,613 

Bales made by black labor 22,850 



56 Issaquena and Itawamba Couniies. 

Bushels of corn produced in 1879 463,614 

Bushels of oats pi-oduced in 1879 17,441 

Bushels of -wheat produced in 1879 488 

Pounds of tobacco produced in 1879 4,321 

All kinds of vegetables, fruits, etc., raised for home consumption. 



ISSAQUENA COUNTY. (See Map.) 

Issaquena county was established January 23, 1844. Mciyersville, the county 
seat, and Skipwith are the towns. The Mississippi river flows along the whole 
western boundary, affording cheap steamboat transportation; also Deer Creek, 
which flows from north to south, on the eastern border; then there are Steele's 
Bayou, Lake Lafayette, Moon Lake, Five Mile Lake, etc. 

This county lies entirely in the Mississippi bottom. The soil is rich alluvial 
loam, with buckshot black from the river. About 80,000 acres of open land,. 
the balance, 163,000 acres, heavily timbered with cypress, oaks, ash, gum, hack- 
berry, hickory, locust, walnut, sassafras, etc., etc. 

Produces, corn, cotton, oats, etc., in great luxuriance — from one to two bales- 
of cotton per acre, and 40 to 80 bushels of corn, when properly cultivated; but 
3,11 the planters have cotton on the brain, and do not make half enough corn^ 
oats and meat for home consumption, when they could be raised chea]3er here 
than in any country in the world. 

This is a most desirable county, and new-comers will receive a hearty wel- 
come and kind treatment, provided they come to be law-abiding, industrious 
and reliable citizens. " Travips and bummers not uxinted." 

Delinquent lands held by State Auditor for sale 25,880 acres. 

Population in 1870, from United States census 6,887 

Population in 1880, from United States census 10,001 

White people 824 

Colored people 9,177 , 

Acreage in cotton in 1879 18,293 acres. 

Bales produced in 1879 16,150 bales- 

Pales made by white labor 189 

Bales made by black labor 15,961 

Bushels of corn produced in 1879 89,630 

Bushels of oats produced in 1879 262 

All kinds of vegetables, fruits, etc., raised for home consumption. 



ITAWAMBA COUNTY. (See Map.) 

Itawamba county was established February 9, 1836. Fulton, the county seat,, 
has about 300 inhabitants. Water-courses are Tombigbee river, which runs 
through the county from north to south, and numerous creeks, affording fine, 
water-power for mills and factories. Several earthenware factories and two 
wool-carding mills in county. 

Soil diversified. Very rich bottoms; some prairie limestone lands; some 
strong hill lands, and some poor. Produces cotton, corn, oats, wheat, sorghum, 
potatoes, and grasses of all kinds. 

Transportation: the Tombigbee river during the winter season, otherwise 
wagons. Costs $1.75 to send a bale of cotton to market. About one-tenth of 
the land open. The lands of the county level, undulating and broken, or hills 
in about equal proportions. 

Timber trees: white oak, red oak, post oak, pine, hickory, blackjack, maple,, 
beech, walnut, gum and cypress. 

The bottom lands furnish excellent pasturage for winter, and the hills for 
spring and summer. A fine county for stock-raising and sheep husbandry. 



Jackson County. ' 57 

Church and school i>rivileges very good, and in reach of every one. Health 
of the county good. Character of the people sober, industrious and law-abid- 
ing. 

Some considerable excitement in regard to mines of gold, silver and lead, 
but not much development yet. Several grist mills and saw mills in the 
county. 

Quite an amount of apples, pears, peaches, strawberries, figs, raspberries, 
and other fruits raised for home consumption. 

The county is healthy; very little crime; out of debt; taxes light; peaceable, 
prosperous andhopeful. 

Lands can be purchased at from 50c. to $10 per acre, according to quality 
and location. 

Delinquent lands held by State Auditor for sale 12.480 acres. 

Population in 1870, from United States census 7,812 

Population in 1880, from United States census 10,G65 

White people 9,557 

Colored people 1)108 

Acreage in cotton 1879 14,851 acres. 

Bales produced in 1879 . . .- 5,113 bales. 

Bales made by white labor 4,877 

Bales made by black labor 236 

Bushels of corn produced in 1879 304,65*^ 

Bushels of oats produced in 1879 21,772 

Bushels of wheat produced in 1879 8,580 

Pounds of tobacco produced in 1879 7,520 



JACKSON COUNTY. (See Map.) 

Jackson county was established December 14, 1812. Scranton, the county 
seat, is situated on the New Orleans & Mobile Railroad. The other towns are 
Ocean Si)rings, West and East Pascagoula, Moss Point, Bradford, Americus, 
etc. The Gulf of Mexico washes the whole southern shore of the county. The 
water-courses are the Pascagoula river, and its many tributaries, and the Esca- 
tawpa river. 

The Mobile & New Orleans Railway runs along the Gulf Coast, through the 
whole width of county. At Moss Point, a window-glass factory has been estab- 
lished, which is doing a thriving business. 

The'surface of the county is generally level along the coast, and gently undu- 
lating for the balance. The timber growth consists principally of long- leaf or 
yellow pine, which affords a very extensive business to the lumbermen and the 
many saw mills along the coast. The lumber trade is very large, to foreign 
ports. 

All kinds of fruits and vegetable are grown for home use and market. (See 
Harrison county for names.) 

Col. A. E. Lewis, of this county, has an immense Scupperuong vineyard, and 
extensively engaged in making first-class wines. 

Col. W. R. Stuart, of Ocean Springs, Jackson county, has gone largely into 
stock-raising, and has a fine herd of Jersey cattle, and splendid flocks of 
Spanish Merino sheep. This county seems especially .adapted to sheep hus- 
bandry. 

Fish and oysters of the finest quality are obtained in great abundance, such 
as red fish, black fish, red snappers, pompano, Spanish mackerel, speckled trout, 
sheepshead, flounders, etc., are caught for market all along the Gulf coast. 
Several canning establishments are in operalion in this county. 

United States lands for sale 151,160 acres. 

Delinquent lands held by State Auditor for sale 3,500 acres. 

Population in 1870 from United States census 4,362 



58 Jaspeb and Jeffeeson Counties. 

Population in 1880 from United States census 7,607 

White people 6,122 

Colored people 2,485 

Bushels of corn produced in 1879 1,826 

Bushels of oats produced in 1879 _ 80 

All kinds of vegetables, fruits, etc., raised for home consumption. 



JASPER COUNTY. (See Map.) 

Jasper county was established December 3, 1823. Paulding is the county 
seat; the other towns are Garlandsville, Turnersville, Claiborne, Davisville, and 
Rose Hill. The water courses are Tallahala, Tallahoma and tributaries; and 
numerous creeks and streams emptying into the Chickasahay river, making it a 
well watered county. 

The New Orleans and Northeastern Railway runs through the southeastern 
corner of county. 

The surface of county is level on the river and creek bottoms, some undu- 
lating lands, and some hilly. The timber growth consists of various kinds of 
oak, long- leaf pine, hickory, beech, elm, gum, etc. 

The soil is generally light and sandy, with a clay subsoil. On the creek bot- 
toms, it is fertile, and produces good crops of cotton, corn, oats, sugar-cane, 
rice, sweet potatoes, sorghum, etc. The various kinds of garden vege- 
tables, and such fruits as the peach, plum^ fig, grapes, especially the Scup- 
pernong g^ape, strawberries, blackberries, dewberries, etc., do well and bear 
abundantly. 

Pasturage very extensive, the native grasses for summer, and switch-cane on 
the creek bottoms for winter. It is a fine stock county; sheep husbandry could 
be made very profitable. 

Marl beds have been found in various parts of county. 

Church and school privileges good. The climate is mild and very healthy, 
and society good. 

People of good character seeking permanent homes will receive a hearty 
welcome and kind treatment by the citizens of Jasper county, Mississippi. 

United States lands for sale 51,320 acres. 

Delinquent lands held by State Auditor for sale 11,920 acres. 

Population in 1870 from United States census 10,884. 

Population in 1880 from United States census 12,124 

White people 6,244 

Colored people 5,880 

Acreage in cotton in 1879 20,305 acres. 

Bales produced in 1879 6,228 bales. 

Bales made by white labor 3,363 

Bales made by black labor 2,865 

Bushels of corn produced in 1879 202,643 

Bushels of oats produced in 1879 56,380 

Bushels of wheat produced in 1879 100 

Pounds of tobacco produced in 1879 3,649 

All kind= of vegetabHes, fruits, etc., raised for home consumption. 



JEFFERSON COUNTY. (See Map.) 

Jefferson county was established January 11th, 1802. Fayette, the county 
seat, is on the Natchez, Jackson and Columbus Railroad. The other towns are 
Harriston, Red Lick, Rodney and Union Church. The Mississippi river flows 
along the western boundary, and it is well watered by several large creeks 



Jones Countt. 59 

and small streams. Transportation facilities good, both by railroad and river. 

The surface of the county is decidedly mixed, from level river and creek 
bottom lands, fertile bluff formation, to thin pine land in the eastern portion 
of the county. Produces from one-half to two bales of cotton, or from 15 to 
60 bushels of corn per acre. 

Timber trees are, all kinds of oak, beech, poplar, pine, hickory, pecan, gum, 
■walnut, cherry, locust, cypress, etc. Produces good crops of cotton, corn, oats, 
sugar-cane, rice, sorghum, peas, etc.; all kinds of garden vegetables and fruits, 
such as peaches, pears, figs, pomegranates, apricots, strawberries, blackber- 
ries, dewberries, etc., etc.,' do well, but are only cultivated for home consump- 
tion. 

Pasturage almost unlimited; splendid summer grasses, and switch-cane on 
all the creeks and bayous for winter, spring and fall. Fine country for sheep 
and other stock. Church advantages ample, and school privileges excellent. 
Climate mild and salubrious. Society good. 

Quite a number of thrift/ Germans have settled in this county and are all 
doing well. Land can be purchased in large or small bodies; and some large 
lajid proprietors wuuM donate one or two lots of land to actu(d settlers. Industrious, 
sober and reliable settlers will receive a warm reception to Jefferson county. 
Ko other kind need apply. 

United States lands for sale 2,160 acres. 

Delinquent lands held by State Auditor for sale 500 acres. 

Population in 1870 from United States census 13,848 

Population in 1880 from United States census 17,314 

White people 4,262 

Colored people 13,052 

Acreage in cotton in 1879 32,141 acres. 

Bales produced in 1 879 18,51 2 bales. 

Bales made by white labor 3,085 

Bales made by black labor 15,427 

Bushels of corn produced in 1879 251,586 

Bushels of oats produced in 1879 3,195 

Pounds of tobacco produced in 1879 2,027 

All kinds of vegetables, fruits, etc., etc., raised for home consumption. 



JONES C(.)UNTY. (See Map.) 

Jones county was established January 24th, 1826. EUisville is the county 
seat. Water courses are Leaf and Tallahala rivers, used for rafting saw-logs to 
mai'ket; the Boguehomo, and numerous smaller creeks, giving to the county 
vast water power advantages. 

The surface of the county is gently undulating, except the creek and river 
bottoms wnich are level. Nearly all the land is finely timbered with long-leaf 
or yellow pine. On the water courses there are oaks of various kinds, hickory, 
ash, elm, bay, beech, gum, magnolia, etc. 

Pasturage extensive; summer grasses plentiful, and the whole county lies 
open to grazing. Some few citizens are raising cattle and sheep, and find it 
very remunerative. 

The soil is generally thin and sandy on the uplands; along the margins 
of the creeks and rivers it is fer.tile. Producing cotton, corn, oats, sweet and 
Irish potatoes, sugar-cane, sorghum, field peas, peanuts. Peaches, figs, 
grapes, plums, apples, and all the small fruits do well, and are very productive. 
The scuppernong grape is in its native element in this county. Pecans grow 
finely. 

Game. — The creeks abound in fish; the woods with deer, wild turkeys, 
fox, raccoon, opossum, and some wild cats. The bears, wolves and panthers 
have been exterminated long since. Church and school advantages are as 



60 Kempee County. 

good as could be expected, for a sparsely settled country. The people are 
moral and law-abiding, and the health of the county is as good as any in the 
world. 

The New Orleans and Northeastern Railroad runs through the whole county 
from the northeast to the southwest; it has opened up this section to the mar- 
kets of the world. In grading for this railroad a fine bed of green sand marl 
was found in Jones county. 

United States lands for sale 182,020 acres. 

Delinquent lands held by State Auditor for sale 160 acres. 

Population in 1870 from United States census 3,313 

Population in 1880 from United States census 3,828 

White people . .■ 3,469 

Colored people 350 

Acreage in cotton in 1879 2,794 acres. 

Bales produced in 1879 624 bales. 

Bales made by white labor .594 

Bales made by black labor 30 

Bushels of corn produced in 1879 47,269 

Bushels of oats produced in 1879 30,992 

Pounds of tobacco produced in 1879 4,683 

All kinds of vegetables, fruits, etc., raised for home consumption. 



KEMPER COUNTY. (See Map.) 

Kemper county was established December 23d, 1813. DeKalb is the county 
seat. On the Mobile and Ohio Railroad, the other towns are Tamola, Gains- 
ville Junction, Sucharnochee and Scooba. The Mobile and Ohio Railroad runs 
through the eastern portion of the county from north to soath. 

The lands in eastern portion of the county mostly prairie; in western and 
middle, sandy loam with clay subsoil, very easy to cultivate and productive. 
Crops produced are cotton, corn, oats, wheat, sugar-cane, sorghum, field peas 
and potatoes. All kinds of vegetables do well. 

The water power is excellent, have some fine water power saw and grist 
mills and gins. Meridian is the principal market; many persons haul cotton 
on wagons to that place, in preference to shipping by the Mobile and Ohio 
Railroad. 

Three-fourths of the county well timbered with long and short-leaf pine, 
oak, of various kinds, hickory, chestnut, walnut, gum, etc. Excellent pastur- 
age of native grasses, switch-cane and Japan clover. (Lespedeza.) 

Church privileges good. Free public schools in some localities are taught 
eight months in the year. 

Fruits grow well; only enough grown for home use. Dairy products, butter 
and milk enough for home consumption. 

Health of the county generally very good. Some chills and fever in the 
fall. 

Society good. A good deal of attention is being paid to stock raising and 
sheep husbandry. 

Any one who will, can do well here farming, or almost at any other business; 
it only requires, patience, labor, and perseverance. 

United States lands for sale ; 6,840 acres. 

Delinquent lands held by State Auditor for sale 20,640 acres. 

Population in 1870 from United States census 12,820 

Population in 1880 from United States census 15,719 

White people 7,104 

Colored people 8,615 

Acreage in cotton in 1879 28,269 acres. 



Lafayette and Laudekdale Counties. 61 

Bales producecl in 1879 8,426 bales. 

Bales produced by white labor 4,238 

Bales produced by black labor 4,193 

Bushels of corn produced in 1879 347,268 

Bushels of oats produced in 1879 37,509 

Bushels of wheat produced in 1879 255 

Pounds of tobacco produced in 1879 6,716 

All kinds of vegetables, fruits, etc., raised for home consumption. 



LAFAYETTE COUNTY. (See Map.) 

Lafayette county was established February 9th, 1836. Oxford is the county 
seat. A thriving and enterprising town on the Illinois Central Railroad, hav- 
ing about 2,000 inhabitants. Other villages are Abbeville and Taylors. The 
University of Mississippi, for white students, is located about one mile west of 
Oxford. The Union Female College is also well patronized. There are also 
several local schools, which are well attended. 

The county is well watered by the Tallahatchie and Yocona rivers, with their 
tributaries, affording plenty of water power for mills and factories. 
* The Illinois Central Railroad runs through the county from north to south, 
% affording railroad transportation. 

' The cliaracter and fertility of the soil is good, and produces crops of cotton, 
corn, wheat, oats, sorginim and potatoes. Some attention paid to fruit culture 
— two nurseries in the county. Apples, pears, peaches, figs and all the small 
fruits do well, and some few persons raise fruit for market and ship to Chicago 
and St. Louis, where good prices are obtained. 

One-third of the county open lands, and two-thirds in timl)er; all kinds of 
oak, as)!, x'ine, poplar, walnut, beech, hickory and cypress. Pasturage of large 
extent, and good; all kinds of grasses grow well w"ien properly cultivated. 
Could be made a good stock country. 

Church and school privileges very good; climats healthy and society excel- 
lent. 

Large beds of Lignite, (brown coal) in the county; many grist and saw mills. 
Good, sober, industrious and reliable immigrants will be welcomed, and can 
find comfortable homes in this county. Lands can be purchased, unimpi-oved, 
at $1 to |5 per acre; and improved lands at from $4 to $20 per acre, according 
to location and quality. 

Delinquent lands held by State Auditor for sale 1,720 acres. 

Population in 1870 from United States census 18,892 

Population in 1880 from United States census 21,671 

White people 11,381 

Colored people 10,290 

Acreage in cotton in 1879 35,309 acres. 

Bales produced in 1879 15,21 4 bales. 

Bales made by white labor 8,584 

Bales made by black labor 6,630 

Bushels\of corn produced in 1879 492,614 

Bushels of oats produced in 1 879 ■ 36,375 

Bushels of wheat produced in 1879 9,222 

Pounds of tobacco produced in 1879 5,803 

All kinds of vegetables, fruits, etc., raised for home consumption. 



LAUDERDALE COUNTY. (See Map.) 

Lauderdale county was established December 23, 1833. Meridian, the county 
«eat, is an enterprising town of about 5,000 inhabitants, situated at the cross- 



62 Laweence Cotjntx. 

ing of the Mobile & Ohio and the Vicksburg & Meridian Railroads. East Mis- 
sissippi Mills, engaged in the manufacture of cotton and woolen goods. Earth- 
enware and pottery factory, Meridian Machine Shops, Meridian Foundry, cot- 
ton-seed oil mill, and two compresses. Meridian ships about 40,000 bales of 
cotton annually. 

Railroads are the Mobile & Ohio, running from north to south through 
county; the Vicksburg & Meridian, running east to west, almost through the 
centre; the New Orleans and Northeastern; Alabama Great Southern, and Vir- 
ginia, Georgia & Tennessee Railroad, which make Meridian a great railroad 
centre. 

The water-power in county excellent, on the numerous creeks and streams 
Great abundance of fine marls in the county. About one -third open land, the 
balance well timbered with pine, oaks of various kinds, hickory, gum, beech, 
chestnut, poplar, Sycamore, etc., etc. The products are cotton, corn, sugar- 
cane, oats, peas, potatoes, (sweet and Irish,) etc. Vegetables of all kinds and 
fruits grown in great abundance. Some few have turned their attention to 
fruits and vegetables for market and are doing well. Pasturage extensive — 
Bermuda, velvet and native grasses for summer, and switch-cane on the creek 
bottoms for winter. Considerable attention is being j)aid to stock-raising, and 
is a splendid county for sheep husbandry. 

Church and school advantages good; society excellent, and the climate mild 
and salubrious. 

Land can be bought from individual owners at from $1 to $10 per acre, ac- 
cording to improvements and location. 

New-comers will receive a hearty welcome and kind treatment. 

United States lands for sale 25,320 acres. 

Delinquent lands held by State Auditor for sale 5,640 acres. 

Population in 1870, from United States census 13,402 

Population in 1880, from United States census 21,501 

White people 9,900 

Colored people 11,641 

Acreage in cotton in 1879 32,373 acres. 

Bales produced in 1879 9,'360 bales. 

Bales made by white labor 4,858 

Bales made by black labor 4,492 

Bushels of corn produced in 1879 254,798 

Bushels of oats produced in 1879 57,843 

Pounds of tobacco produced in 1879 7,585 

All kinds of vegetables, fruits, etc., raised for home consumption. 



L»^WRENCE COUNTY. (See Map.) 

Lawrence county was established December 22, 1814. Monticello, the county 
seat, is situated on the west bank of Pearl river, which runs through the county 
from the northwest to southeast. Pearl river is navigable for steamboats, 
affording good facilities for transportation, and floating logs to saw mills. 

.The timber growth of this county is principally long-leaf or yellow pine of 
fine quality. On the river and creek bottoms, red and sweet gum, hickory, 
various kinds of oak, poplar, sycamore, magnolia, cypress, etc. 

The surface of county level, on rivers and creeks, the balance undulating and 
hilly. 

The soil on uplands is sandy and not very fertile, but easily cultivated and 
improved; on bottoms much more fertile. There are what are called "reed- 
brakes, " which, when drained and brought into cultivation, are very rich, pro- 
ducing from 80 to 50 bushels of corn. These "reed-brakes" are common to all 
the "piney-woods" counties. ' 

The products are cotton, corn, oats, rice, sugar-cane, sorghum, sweet and 



Leake County. 63 

Irish potatoes, etc. All the various kinds of fruits and vegetables grow and 
yield abundantly. 

The pasturage is good and very extensive. Stock-raising and sheep hus- 
bandry can be made very profitable. The woods pasture for summer grazing, 
and the switch-cane, in river and creek bottoms, for winter. 

Church and school advantages generally good; society good, and the climate 
mild and salubrious. 

Immigrants of good character, seeking a home in Lawrence county, Missis- 
sippi, will receive kind treatment aful a hearty welcome. Lands are cheap — a 
large amount of United States lands at $1.25 per acre, and land owned by indi- 
viduals can be jjurohased at from §1 to $10 per acre, according to improvements 
and location. 

United States lands for sale 96,500 acres. 

Population in 1870, from United States census 6,720 

Population in 1880, from United States census 9,422 

White people 4,937 

Colored people 4,485 

Acreage in cotton in 1879 17,806 acres. 

Bales produced in 1879 5,907 bales. 

Bales made by white labor 2,673 

Bales made by black labor ; . . 2,294 

Bushels of corn produced in 1379 217,041 

Bushels of oats produced in 1879 41,809 

Pounds of tobacco produced in 1879 5,288 

All kinds of vegetables, fruits, etc., raised for home consumption. 



LEAKE COUNTY. (See Map.) 

Leake county was established December 2.3, 1833. Carthage, the county seat, 
is situated near the centre of the county. The other towns are Conway, Thom- 
astown, Ofahoma, Good Hope. Walnut Grove and Edinburg. 

Pearl river runs through the middle of the county, from northeast to south- 
west, and is navigable to Edinburg, affording transportation — $2 per bale for 
cotton — to Jackson, Miss. Its tributaries, the Yokanookana, Lobutcha and 
numerous smaller creeks, afford great water advantages. Surface of county 
level on bottom lands, the balance undulating and hilly. About one-twentieth 
in cultivation, the remainder covered with original forests. The timber trees 
are pine, oaks of every variety, hickory, beech, poplar, chestnut, maple, walnut, 
sycamore, cypress, etc. 

Soil consists of red clay hills, loam second-bottoms, alluvial bottoms on 
creeks and rivers, and the highly productive alluvial called "reed-brakes" or 
"reed-glades." These " reed-brakes," when reclaimed by drainage, are highly 
productive. As much as 75 bushels of oats, or 80 to 90 bushels of corn have 
been grown upon them to the acre; but 40 to 50 bushels would be considered a 
good average. 

Products: Cotton, corn, sorghum, sugar-cane, rice, potatoes, and all kinds of 
vegetables. Fruits for home consumption of all kinds; apples, pears, plums, 
figs and small fruits. No railroads at present in county, but two chartered 
roads will pass through it. 

The range or pasturage is good for eight months in the year, of native grasses, 
switch-cane and Japan clover, (Lespediza). 

Church and school privileges good. No neighborhood without a place for 
preaching and a school. Climate mild and jhealthy, and society good — com- 
posed of industrious and law-abiding people. Land can be purchased at from 
50 cents to f 10 per acre, according to quality, improvement and location. No 
county in the State surpasses this in the purity and boldness of its numerous 
streams, and their adaptability to propelling machinery. 



64 Lee County. 

United States landsfor sale 12,640 acres. 

Delinqent lands held by State Auditor for sale 18,600 acres. 

Chickasaw school lands for sale 1,800 acres. 

Poj)ulation in 1870, from United States census 8,496 

Population in 1880, from United States census 13,147 

White people 8,104 

Colored people 5,043 

Acreage in cotton in 1879 .* 24,001 acres. 

Bales produced in 1879 9,016 bales. 

Bales made by white labor 7,235 

Bales made by black labor 1,781 

Bushels of corn produced in 1879 256,331 

Bushels of oats produced in 1879 44,070 

Bushels of wheat produced in 1879 1,527 

Pounds of tobacco produced in 1879 13,680 ^ 

All kinds of vegetables, fruits, etc., raised for home consumption. 



LEE COUNTY. (See Map.) 

Lee county was established ( October 26, 1866. Tupelo, the county seat, is sit- 
uated on the Mobile 'and Ohio Railroad, (1,008 inhabitants,); as also are the 
towns of Shannon, Verona, Saltillo, Guntown and Baldwyn. Water-courses: 
Town Creek — navigable for 25 miles. Various other creeks make it a well 
watered county. 

The Mobile & Ohio Railroad runs through the centre of the county, from 
north to south, affording transportation. 

The [soil is very fertile — black hammock, beeswax prairie, black sandy and 
sandy soils. Produces cotton, corn, oats, wheat, tobacco, potatoes, etc. All 
kinds of vegetables do well. Fruits, at present, are only grown for home con- 
sumption. Apples, pears, peaches, figs and all the small fruits do well. 

Transportation costs |4 per bale to send cotton to Mobile. Some level, some 
undulating, some broken or hilly lands in this county. Bottom lands make 50 
bushels of corn per acre. Timber trees: all kinds of oaks, hickory, ash, gum, 
poplar, beech, walnut, etc. 

Pasturage very good nine months in the year. A fine county for stock-rais- 
ing and sheep husbandry. But very little attention paid to either at the pres- 
ent time. 

Church and school privileges very good. There is an excellent female col- 
lege at Verona. 

With the exception of chills and fever occasionally, the health of the county 
very good. Society good. 

Some grist and saw mills in the county. 

Good lands can be purchased in the woods at from $3 to $5 per acre, and 
cleared land at from |5 to flO per acre. Good well water can be had anywhere, 
and some few springs. Industrious, energetic and rel'able immigrants will 
receive a hearty welcome. 

Delinquent lands held by State Auditor for sale 2,460 acres. 

Population in 1870, from United States census 15,955 

Population in 1880, from United States census 20,461 

White people 12,656 

Colored people 7,805 

Acreage in cotton in 1879 38,578 acres. 

Bales produced in 1879 14,406 bales. 

Bales made by white labor 9,540 

Bales made by black labor 4,866 

Bushels of corn produced in 1879 590,899 

Bushels of oats produced in 1879 48,047 

Bushels of wheat produced in 1879 7,387 

Pounds of tobacco produced in 1879 11,109 

All kinds of vegetables, fruits, etc., raised for home consumption. 



Leflobe and Lincoln Counties. 65 

LEFLORE COUNTY. (See Map.) 

Lefloi-e county was established March 15th, 1871. Greenwood, the county 
seat, is an enterprising town, situated on tlie Yazoo river. The other towns ai"e 
Sidon, Shell Mound, McNutt. Emmaville and Walnut Oity. The Yazoo river 
runs tnrough the centre of the county. Quiver river. Roebuck Blue, Henry, 
McNutt, Six Mile, beside many smaller lakes. The Georgia Pacific Railroad 
will cross the county from east to west and the Mobile and Northwestern from 
north to south, when completed. 

Surface of the county generally level. The soil alluvial and very fertile — 
one to two balws of cotton per acre, or 30 to GO busliels of corn. Producep 
corn, cotton, oats, millet, wheat and all the varieties of grass that have been 
tried — all kinds of vegetables and fruits. The timber trees are of great variet,v 
and very large, composed of red-gum, white oak, black oak, red oak and cow 
oak, ash, elin, pecan, hickory, tupelo gum, walnut, cypress and many otlier 
kinds. Many large saw mills in the county. 

Pasturage very extensive. Forthe winter, cane; and wild grasses for sam- 
mer; but litlle attention has been paid to stock or sheep Imsbandr^'. 

Transportation by the Yazoo river, navigable all the year. Costs $2 to $3 to 
send a bale of cotton to New Orleans, La. 

Climate warm and moist, winters mild and short. Bilious and intermit- 
tent fevers the most common forms of sickness, which yield readily to treaA- 
ment. 

Our church buildings are poor, but have good ministers and have regular 
service in the Methodist, Baptist and Presbyterian churches. 

Our high school good as any in the State — *'McNutt High School" — 35 free 
schools. 

For hunters, game of various kinds, bear, deer, wild turkeys, wild daci^ 
wild cats, some few panthers, etc. The lakes, bayous, and rivers abound in 
fish. 

Delinquent lands held by State Auditor for sale 36,fi40 acres. 

Internal improvement lands for sale 1,080 acres. 

Population in 1880 from United States census 10,246 

White people 2,230 

Colored people 8,016 

Acreage in cotton in 1879 17,730 acres. 

Bales produced in 1879 1 i,925 bales. 

Bales made by white labor 2.085 

Bales made by black labor 9.8'10 

Bushels of corn produced i-i 1879 144,273 

Bushels of oats produced in 1879 1,231 

Pounds of tobacco produced in 1879 907 , 

All kin is of vegetables, fruits, etc., raised for home consumption. 

Note — This county was not in existence in 1870. 



LINCOLN COUNTY. (See Map.) 

Lincoln county was established April 7th, 1870. Brookhaven, the county 
seat, is situated on the Illinois Central Railroad, an enterprising town of 2,309 
inhabitants. The other towns are Montgomery, Bogue Chitto and Caseyville. 
The water courses are the Bogue Chitto, Amite, Fair, Homochitto, Eist and West 
Bayou Pierre rivers, with numerous creeks, and give the county fine water power 
advantages. 

Connerly's foundry and about 25 saw and planing mills in the county. The 
Illinois Central Railroad runs through the county from north to south. The 
Meridian, Brookhaven and Natchez Railroad has 15 miles in operation, and 
Wesson and Person's Lumber Railroad 5 miles in working order. 

About four-fifths of the county still well timbered, and about one-fifth cleared 
and in cultivation. The surface is generally undulating — level on the river and 

5 



66 Lowndes and Madison Counties. 

creek bottoms. The soil is sandy loam on ridges and a stiff, productive soil on 
the numerous river and creek bottoms. About 80 per cent, of the timber stand- 
ing, is long-leaf or yellow j)ine, and on the bottoms white, red, black and pin 
oaks, sweet and black gum, hickory, poplar, magnolia, maple and cypress. 

The crops grown are corn, cotton, sugar-cane, rice, oats, peanuts, Irish and 
sweet potatoes, all kinds of vegetables and melons. 

Fruit and fruit growing is on the increase, and~promises to be very profitable. 
Pasturage extensive. But little attention has been paid to sheep husbandry 
and stock. 

Forty churches and 76 free public schools, and one of the very best and 
largest female colleges in the State, at Brookhaven. Climate mild and salubri- 
ous. Brookhaven is 500 feet above tide water at New Orleans. Society good; 
lands can be purchased cheaply, at $1.25 to $10 per acre, as to improvements 
and location. Permanent settlers will meet with a hearty welcome and kind 
treatment. 

United States lands for sale 8,160 acres. 

Delinquent lands held by Stale Auditor for sale 1,000 acres. 

Population in 1870 from United States census 10,184 

Population in 1880 from United States census 1.3,547 

White people 7,701 

Colored j)eople 5,84G 

Acreage in cotton in 1879 17,272 acres. 

Bales produced in 1879 6,286 bales. 

Bales made by white labor ' • 4,018 

Bales made by black labor 2,26S 

^Bushels of corn produced in 1879., 209,747 

Bushels- of oats produced in 1879 49,924 

Pounds of tabacco produced in 1879 5,442 

All kinds of vegetables, fruits, etc., raised for home consumotion. 



LOWNDES COUNTY. (See Map.) 

Lowndes county was established January 30th, 1830. Columbus, the county 
seat, is an enterprising city of over 5,000 inhabitants, situated on the Tombig- 
bee river. A branch railroad from the Mobile and Ohio Railroad runs from 
Artesia to Columbus, thus giving railroad as well as river trAns[.)ortation. 
There is a large Cotton-Seed Oil Mill and a Merchant Mill at Goiambus, Miss. 
Tucker & Son have a fine vineyard near Columbus, where for years they have 
been making splendid wines from the Scuppernong grapes. The other towns 
are Crawfo"rd, Artesia, Mayhew, on the Mobile and Ohio Railroad, which runs 
from north to south through the western part of county. The Tombigbee river 
flows through the county, which, with its tributaries, afford fine water advan- 
. tages. The Georgia Pacific Railroad has been finished to Columbus. 
Two-thirds of this county lies west of the Tombigbee river and is for the most 
part rich, black x^rairie soil, underlaid with rotten limestone, gently undulating, 
heavily timbered and well ada^Dted to the growth of corn and cotton, also oats, 
wheat, sorghum, clover. Herds-grass, Orchard-grass, Bermuda grass. The one- 
third of county east of the Tombigbee has a sandy soil, somewhat hilly, does 
not grow as good corn as the prairie portion, but makes a fine grade of cotton. 
Timber growth consists of various kinds of oak, poplar, black walnut, pine, gum, 
etc. All kinds of fruits and vegetables suitable to latitude grow and yield 
abundantly. 

Pasturage good and quite extensive, consisting of nearly all the cultivated 
grasses and native grasses. Stock-raising could be made very profitable. 

Society, church and school advantages excellent. Climate mild and salu- 
brious. 

Lands can be purchased at from $5 to $25 per acre, according to location 
and improvement. Settlers of good character wanted, and will be received with 
kindness and hospitality. 



Madison County, 67 

United States lands for sale 120 acres. 

Delinquent lands held by State Auditor for sale G40 acres. 

Population in 1870, from United States census 30,502 

Population in 1880, from United States census 28,243 

White people 5,583 

Colored people 22,G60 

Acreage in cotton in 1879 64,670 acres. 

Bales produced in 1879 21,886 bales. 

Bales made by white labor 6,738 

Bales made by black labor 15,148 

Bushels of corn produced in 1879 582,736 

Bushels of oats produced in 1879 41,230 

Bushels of wheat i^roduced in 1879 8,099 

Pounds of tobacco produced in 1879 ' 1,734 

All kinds of vegetables, fruits, etc., raised for kome consumption. 

Note. — lu 1872, part of this county was cut off to form Clay county. 



MADISON COUNTY. (See :\Iap.) 

Madison county was established January 29, 1828. Canton is the county 
seat, contains 2,860 inhabitants, and is on the Illinois Central Railroad. The 
other towns are Livingston, Vernon, Camden, Sharon, Couparle City, Madison 
Station! Flora. 

The Big Black river runs along the whole northwestern boundary of the 
county, and the Pearl river along the f outheastern border. The creeks tribu- 
tary to these rivers afford great water advantages. Kontuckla and Doak's 
creeks hhve splendid water-power. 

The open and timber lands are about equally divided. Timber: all kinds of 
oak, hickory, pine, gum, poplar, walnut beech, cypress. The surface of county 
gently undulating, and the soil various in character and quality, with a clay 
sub-soil; a great deal quite rich, with fine alluvial on creek and river bottoms. 
Limestone and marls have been discovered in great abundance in some portions 
of the county. 

Pasturage extensive and good — old fields covered with native grasses, Ber- 
muda grass and Japan clover. Fine county for sheep husbandry. Fine fruit 
lands. Peaches, pears, early apples, figs, etc., do well. 

Strawberries are extensively cultivated. 190 acres in strawberries at Madi- 
son Station. Fruit shipped to New Orleans, La., and to Chicago and other 
Northern cities. 

Particular mention will be made of the small fruits of this county, in another 
part of this pamphlet. 

Church and school privileges abundant and excellent. Healthy climate, and 
society good. 

Lands very cheap — from $1 to $20 per acre, according to qualty, improve- 
ment and location. 

Population needed, and immigrants of good character will receive a hearty 
welcome. 

United States lands for sale 100 acres. 

Delinquent lands held by State Auditor for sale 7, 160 acres. 

Population in 1870, from United States cen.sus 20,948 

Population in 1880, from United States census 25,866 

AVhite people 5,948 

Colored people 19,918 

Acreage in cotton in 1879 56,393 acres. 

Bales produced in 1879 21,538 bales. 

Bales made by white labor 4,962 

Bales made by black labor 16,576 

Bushels of corn produced in 1879 381,297 

Bushels of oats produced in 1879 21,107 

Bushels of wheat j)roduced in 1879 221 

Pounds of tobacco produced in 1879 10,956 

All kind* of vegetables, fruits, etc., raised f©r home consumption. 



68 ' Maeshall and Maeion Counties. 

MARSHALL COUNTY. (See Map.) 

Marshall county was established February 9, 1836. Holly Springs, the 
county seat, has about 3,000 inhabitants, and is on the Illinois Central Rail- 
road. The other towns are Waterford, Hudsonville, Mt. Pleasant, Byhalia, 
Wall Hill, Chulahoma, etc. Water-courses are Coldwater, Pigeon Roost, 
Chewalla, Spring Creek, and Tallahatchie river on southern border of the 
county. 

Railroads are, Illinois Central, running from north to south through the 
whole county; the Memphis, Selma & Brunswick, which has been graded and 
partly ironed as far as Holly Springs, will run from southeast to northwest 
through the county, affording excellent railroad facilities. 

Factories, wagon factory and wool-carding factory in operation. A cotton- 
seed oil mill and cotton factory chartered at Holly Springs. 

About one-ihird of the land open, the rest timbered. The surface of the 
county undulating, but level on the river and creek bottoms. Soil fertile on 
creek bottoms, uj^lands generally good and productive. 

Products: cotton, corn, small grain, and every variety of vegettjble that 
grows in this latitude. The timber growth consists of all kinds of oak, hick- 
ory, walnut, poplar, gum, beech, maple, cypress, etc. 

All kinds of fruits do well, such as apples, peaches, grapes, figs, plums, apri- 
cots, etc.; also the small fruits, all of which could be grown with profit, for the 
Chicago and St. Louis markets. 

Pasturage good and extensive, consisting of Bermuda grass, native grasses 
and switch-cane. Stock farming and sheep husbandry could be made profit- 
able. 

Society good; church and school privileges good, and climate mild and 
healthful. 

Some lignite beds (brown coal) have been found. There are also good marls 
in this county. 

Good, moral and industrious settlers will receive a hearty welcome by the 
people of Marshall county. 

Delinquent lands held by State Auditor for sale 1,820 acres.. 

Population in 1870, from United States census 29,416 

Population in 1880, from United States census .... 29,333 

White people • 10,986 

Colored people 18,347 

Acreage in cotton in 1879 67,411 acres. 

Bales produced in 1879 26,441 bales. 

Bales made by white labor 10,168 

Bales made by black labor 16,273 

Bushels of corn produced in 1878 686,062 

Bushels of oats produced in 1879 26,646 

Bushels of wheat produced in 1879 14,604 

Pounds of tobacco produced in 1879 9,733 

All kinds of vegetables, fruits, etc., raised for home consumption. 

Note. — In 1870, part of this county was taken to form the county of Benton, 
and part of it, in 1873, to form Tate county. 



MARION COUNTY. (See Map.) 

Marion county was established December 9, 1811. Columbia, the county 
seat, is situated on the east bank of the Pearl river. The other towns are 
Fordsville, Spring Cottage and Wilksburg. The water-courses are Pearl river, 
Holliday's creek. Little river. Lower little river, Abalochitto river and Black 
creek, affording fine water advantages. These streams also furnish fine fish of 
various kinds; game, such as deer, wild turkeys, etc., abound. 

The New Orleans & Northeastern Railroad runs through the southeastern 
portion of coimty. 

The surface of county on river and creek bottoms level, the balance gently 



Montgomery County. 69 

undulating. The timber growth consists principally of long-leaf or yellow 
pine, and the lumber men do an extensive business along the water-co\ires, in 
cutting logs and rafting them to the saw mills. The soil of county generally 
light and sandy; not fertile, but can be readily improved and easily cultivated. 
There are many "reed-brakes," which, when drained and properly cultivated, 
are very fertile. A large portion of the bottom lands are rich and productive 
— producing corn, cotton, oats, sweet and Irish "potatoes, peas, rice, peanuts, 
sugar cane, etc. 

Pasturage very extensive — woods pastures for summer grazing, and switch- 
cane on the creek aud river bottoms for winter. 

Some attention has been paid to stock-raising, with profit. 

School privileges tolerably good; church advantages good. The people are 
moral, law-abiding, kind and hospitable, and will receive new-comers with 
kindness. 

Lands cheap — a vast quantity of United States lands at $1.25 per acre, or 
can be homesteaded at (<15 for IGO acres. Individual owners of laud will sell 
at from $1 to $10 per acre, according to improvements and location. 

United States lands for sale 425,480 acres. 

Population in 1870, from United States census 4,211 

Population in 1880, from United States census 6,901 

White people 4.451 

Black people 2,450 

Acreage in cotton in 1879 4,717 acres. 

Bales produced in 1879 1,579 bales. 

Bales made by white labor 1,252 

Bales made by black labor 327 

Bushels of corn produced in 1879 99,941 

Bushels of oats produced in 1S79 12,202 

Pounds of tobacco produced in 1879 437 

All kinds of vegetables, fruits, etc., raised for home'consumption. 



MONTGOMERY COUNTY. (See Map.) 

Montgomery county was established May 13, 1871. Winona, the county seat, 
is an enterprising town of about 1,500 inhabitants. The other towns are Duck 
Hill, 200, and Lodi, 100. Water-courses : The Big Black runs through the 
southeastern portion of the county; Hay's Creek, Lewis' Creek, Mulberry- 
Creek, ^Volf Creek, and many other smaller ones, make it a well watered 
county. 

A large per cent, of the lauds are open, but not cultivated, for want of labor. 
The surface is undulating, level on river and creek bottoms, and a small por- 
tion hilly. The soil is rich, dark and yellow loam, and in the bottoms dark 
alluvial, and when protected from overflow and improved by drainage, pro- 
duces large crops of cotton and corn. Besides these principal crops, oats, wheat, 
rye, sorghum, field peas, ground jieas, sweet and Irish potatoes do well; as, 
also, the different kinds of grasses lor pasturage and hay. All kinds of vege- 
tables grow and produce abundantly; as, also, such fruits as peaches, pears, 
«arly apples, apricots, figs, strawberries, mulberries, raspberries, blackberries 
and dewberries. A good deal of attention is now being paid to fruits for home 
use and market. 

The timber growth consists of oaks of different kinds, ash poplar, walnut, 
hickory, chestnut, maple, gum, cypress, etc. 

Every neighborhood has a church or two and a school house. Climate mild 
and healthy, and society good. 

Pasturage extensive. The summer pasturage good — all the land not in cul- 
tivation used for that purpose. Switch-cane on the creek and river bottoms 
afford a fine winter pasture. 

The Illinois Central railway runs through the county from north to south. 

Industrious, sober and reliable immigrants will receive a hearty welcome aud 
kind treatment. 



70 MoNEOE County. 

United States lands for sale 15,160 acres. 

Delinquent lands held by State Auditor for sale 1,060 acres. 

Population in 1880, from United States census 13,348 

White people 6,671 

Colored people . ; 6,677 

Acreage in cotton in 1879 24,636 acres. 

Bales produced in 1879 10,541 bales. 

Bales made by white labor 5,933 

Bales made by blacli labor 4,608 

Bushels of corn produced in 1879 .- 200,650 

Bushels of oats produced in 1879 31,275 

Bushels of wheat produced in 1879 630 

Pounds of tobacco produced in 1879 , 6,863 

All kinds of vegetables, fruits, etc., raised for home consumption. 

Note. — This county was not in existence in 1870. 



MONROE COUNTY. (See Map.) 

Monroe county was established February 9, 1821. Aberdeen, the county 
seat, has about 2,500 inhabitants. The towiis are Athens, Smithville, Cotton 
Gin, Central Grove, Camargo, Muldon, Prairie, Hamilton, etc 

Watercourses: Tombigbee river and Town creek, (navigable,) with numerous 
small creeks and streams. 

Railroads: Mobile & Ohio Railroad runs along the western border of the 
county, with a branch road from Muldon to Aberdeen. The Menlphis, Selma & 
Brunswick, now being constructed, and the Lexington and Aberdeen Branch of 
the Illinois Central. Thei transportation facilities are good — the Mobile & Ohio 
Railroad, the Canton, Aberdeen & Nashville Railroad and the Tombig- 
bee river. Water-power abundant on the east side of the Tombigbee 
river. There are 23 water mills and 26 steam mills in the county to grind 
wheat and corn and to saw timber. About one-third of the land in cultiva- 
tion, the balance in timber and prairies. Surface of part level and the rest 
undulating. Limestone and rotten limestone abundant. Fertile prairie 
soil, and a fine black sand soil, with clay subsoil. Produces abundantly, cot- 
ton, corn, wheat, oats, field peas, sorghum. All the grasses do well, and much 
attention is now bedng paid to shgep husbandry and improved stock, with con- 
siderable success. 

The timber trees are white, post, red and black oaks, poplar, elm, gum, wal- 
nut, cypress, etc. 

School and church privileges ample. Society excellent. Climate mild and 
salubrious. 

All that a thrifty and industrious farmer can ask is found in this county — 
mild and healthy climate, fertite soil, kind and law-abiding people, and lands 
at from $3 to $25 per acre, according to quality, improvements and location. 
Men of capital or enterprise, or both, will be welcomed and treated and es- 
teemed as they may merit. 

United States lands for sale 4,420 acres. 

Delinquent lands held by State Auditor for sale 25,160 acres. 

Population in 1870 from United Spates census 22,631 

Population in 1880 from United States census 18,553 

White people 10,549 

Colored people 18,004 

Acreage in cotton in 1879 71,402 acres. 

Bales produced in 1879 23,830 bales » 

Bales made by white labor 7,943 

Bales made by black labor 15,887 

Bushels of corn produced in 1879 700,957 

Bushels of oats produced in 1879 76,270 



Neshoba and Newton Counties. 71 

Bushels of wheat produced in 1879 18,295 

Pounds of tobacco produced in 1879 16,864 

All kinds of vegetables, fruits, etc., raised for home consumption. 

Part of this county was taken to form Clay in 1871. 



NESHOBA COUNTY. (See Map.) 

Neshoba county was established December 23u, 1833. Philadelphia is the 
county seat. The other towns are Laurel Hill, Dowdville, New Hope, Dixon 
and Herbert. Pearl river flows through the county, which, with its tributary 
creeks, furnishes fine water advantages. 

The surface of the county is level along the river and creek bottoms, the 
balance undulating and hilly. The soil on the river and creeks is generally 
fertile, the undulating lands good, and in the hills sandy, with a clay subsoil, 
easy to cultivate and readily improved. The timber growth j)ine, various kinds 
of oak, hickory, black walnut, beech and cypress on river bottoms. 

The products are corn, cotton, oats, wheat, peas, sweet and Irish potatoes, 
sorghum, etc. Vegetables of various kinds, and fruits are raised in abundance 
for home consumption. 

Lignite, or brown coal, has been found in this county. There are also large 
beds of marl in different parts of county, and also very fertile "reed brakes." 

Pasturage extensive, the native grasses for summer and switch-cane and the 
run of the farms for winter. 

The scuppernong grai)e grows in great luxuriance in this county and wine 
making could be made very profitable. 

Church privileges very good. School advantages moderately good — free 
schools four months in the year. Society is composed of moral, sober and law- 
abiding people. 

Lands cheap. Unimproved at $1 to $4 per acre. Improved at from $3 to 
§10 per acre, according to location and improvements. A good class of immi- 
grants desired, and will receive a warm welcome. 

United States lands for sale 23,640 acres. 

Delinquent lands held by State Auditor for sale 27,320 acres. 

Population in 1870 from United States census 7,439 

PoT>ulation in 1880 from United States census 8,741 

White people 6,5ij5 

Colored people, including Indians 2,18G 

Acreage in cotton in 1879 14,021 acres. 

Bales produced in 1879 4,477 bales. 

Bales made by white labor 3,73a 

Bales made by black labor 742 

Bushels of corn produced in 1879 207,784 

Bushels of oats produced in 1879 26,810 

Bushels of wheat produced in 1879 1,21.5 

Pounds of tobacco produced in 1879 6,091 

All kinds of vegetables, fruits, etc., raised for home consumption. 



NEWTON COUNTY. (See Map.) 

Newton county was established February 23d, 1836. Decatur is the county 
seat. The other towns are Union, Centreville, Lawrence, Newton, Hickory and 
Chunkey — the last four situated on the Vicksburg and Meridian'Railroad, which 
runs from west to east through the whole length of the county. 

The lands are level, undulating and hilly, and the soil varied — prairie, pine 
lands, bottom lands and reed brakes; and produce, cotton, corn, oats, sorghum, 
sugar-cane, tobacco, rice, sweet and Irish potatoes, field peas — all kinds of veg- 
etables and fruits, such as peaches, i>lums, apples, figs, strawberries, dewberries, 
blackberries, etc. 

There are fine beds of marl in the county. 



72 NoxuBBE County. 

Water power advantages are good on the various creeks in the county, with 
the Pinckney Mill, Lewis' old mill near Chunkey, and Moon's Mill, besides 
many steam saw mills for cutting lumber and grinding corn. 

The various kinds of timber are: pine, all kinds of oak, sweet and black gum, 
cedar, magnolia, beech and cypress. 

The x^asturage is good and extensive for nine months in the year. Stock 
raising and sheep husbandry could be made very profitable. 

Church and school privileges very good. Health good, and society excellent. 

Immigrants of good character, industrious and reliable, will receive a hearty 
welcome in Newton county. 

United States lands for sale 1 2,640 acres. 

DSlinqueut lands held by State Auditor for sale 3.2 60 acres 

Population in 1870 from United States census 10,067 

Ebpulation ia 1880 from United States census 13,436 

White people, including Indians 8,427 

Colored people 5,009 

Acreage in cotton in 1 879 ] 9.589 acres. 

Bales produced in 1879 6,341 bales. 

Biales made by white labor 5,567 

Bales made by black labor 774 

Bushels of corn produced in 1879 261,207 

Bhishels of oats produced in 1879 58,336 

Bushels of wheat produced in 1879 653 

Pounds of tobacco produced in 1879 8,525 

All kinds of vegetables, fruits, etc., raised for home consumption. 



NOXUBEE COUNTY. (See Map.) 

Noxubee county was established December 23d, 1833. Macon, the county 
seat, is an enterprising town of 2,000 inhabitants, situated on the Mobile and 
©hio Railroad, which runs from north to south through the centre of the 
aounty. A railroad has been chartei'ed from Macon, to Eutaw, Alabama. The 
•ther towns are: Brooksville, Shuqualak, Cooksville, etc. The Noxubee river 
ffows from the northwest to the southeast through the centre of the county, and 
with its tributaries, affords fine water advantages. 

Th prairie portion constitutes the eastern two-thirds of the county, is a rich, 
black, or reddish black, adhesive soil, and is underlaid by white and blue rotten 
Ilme-stone. The staple crops are cotton, corn, oats, wheat, rye, barley, sweet 
and Irish potatoes, all kinds of garden vegetables and' fruits of every variety 
adapted to the climate. Stock-raising very profitable. 

The western third of the county is generally timbered lands, rather roUing, 
with a light sandy soil on the ridges, and a black, loose, sandy loam in the bot- 
toms. It is well watered by springs, running creeks and branches. This por- 
tion is well adapted to fruits and vegetables, but not so productive of the staple 
erops as the eastern. 

The climate is pleasant; summers are lon^ but not so intense and debilita- 
ting as further North. Winters short and mild. Church and school advantages 
very good. Health of county good, some chills and fever and bilious fever in 
the autumn, which yield readily to medical treatment. 

It is the universal wish of the people of Noxubee county, and of the State-at- 
large, that those of the North and West, who contemplate changing their homes, 
would come and examine the country, look at the products of the soil, experi- 
ence the genial climate, accept the hospitality of our citizens, and, if possible, 
make their homes in this county. 

Wnited States lands for sale 5,640 acres. 

Population in 1870, from United States census 20,905 

Population in 1880, from United States census 29,874 

White people 5,300 

Colored people 24,574 



Oktibbeha and Panola Counties. 73 

Acreage in cotton in 1S79 82,483 acres. 

Bales produced in 1879 25,294 bales. 

Bales made by white labor .... 4,792 

Bales made by black labor 20,502 

Bushels of corn produced in 1879 741,542 

Bushels of' oats produced in 1879 74,165 

Bushels of wheat produced in 1879 158 

Pounds of tobacco produced in 1879 8,249 

All kinds of vegetables, fruits, etc., raised for home consumption. 



OKTIBBEHA OOUNTY. (See Map.) 

'Oktibbeha county was established December 23d, 1883. Starkville is the 
county seat, a thrifty, business town with a branch railroad from Artesia, on 
the Mobile and Oliio Railroad. The State Agricultural and Mechanical College 
is situated on the branch railroad, one mile east of Starkville. The other towns 
are Whitefield, Salem and Montgomery. 

The Noxubee river runs through the southern portion of county, which, with 
its tributaries, Cliinca, Talking Warrior and other creeks, wa^^er the southern 
and central portion. Sand and Red Bull, the eastern, and Trim Cane Creek 
and other streams, the northern. 

Theet'stern portion of county is generally of rich prairie soil, interspersed 
with yellow clay lo ims. A few miles west of Starkville, the Flatwoods appear 
and extend in width from four to ten miles; this belt of land has n stiff clay 
soil, and covered with a timber growth of post and white oak. West of the 
Flatwoods, the Sindy Hills set in and extend to the Webster couuty line. The 
timber growth of th s portion — various kinds of oak, hickory, pine, black- 
jack and chestnut. Timber growth of eastern portion of county — white oak, 
red oak, poplar, black walnut, hickory, gum. Products of county— cotton, 
c(;rn. sorghum, oats, wheat, rye, barley, sweet and Irish potatoes. All kinds of 
grasses do well; also fruits and vegetables. 

Col. W. B. Montgomery has gone quite extensively into stock raising, and 
owns a large and line herd of registered Jersey cows and cattle. He success- 
fully cultivates Kentucky blue, orchard, red clover, herds, Johnson and Ber- 
muda grasses — in fact, the whole prairie section is a fine grass country. 
I So iety excellent. School and church privileges good. Climate mild and 
salubrious. 

Improved lands can be purchased at from ^.'i to s;25 per acre, according to 
improveqients and location. Permanent settlers, of good character, very 
much desired, and will receive a warm welcome. 

United States lands for sale l,-')00 acres. 

Delinquent lands lield by State Auditor for sale ],fi90 acres. 

Population in 1870, from United States census H,891 

Poi)ulation in 1880. from United States census 15,978 

White people 5.107 

<!)olored j^eople 10,870 

Acreage in cotton in 1879 29,679 acres. 

Bales produced in 1879 9,929 bales. 

Bales made by while labor 3,307 

Bales made by black labor 6.622 

Bushels of corn produced in 1 879 395.553 

Bushels of oats produced in 1879 39,063 

Bushels of wheat produced in 1879 6,078 

Pounds of tobacco produced in 1879 2,700 

All kinds of vegetables, fruits, etc., raised for home consumption. 

PANOLA COUNTY. (See Map.) 

Panola county was established February 9th, 1835. The Tallahatchie and 
Yocona rivers, with numerous tributaries, make this a well watered county. 



74: Pekbt County. 

The Panola Gin Company is located at Batesville, on the Mississippi and'. 
Tennessee Railroad. 

The soil of the valleys, about one-half of the county, is a rich, dark loam, 
with clay subsoil, and as fertile as any in the State. The other half undulating 
uplands, with fertile creek and branch bottoms. The crops grown are, corn,^ 
wheat, oats, grains of all kinds, sorghum, millet, etc. Fruits do well; such 
as peaches, apples, pears, figs, and all the small fruits. Sweet and Irish 
potatoes and all the different varieties of vegetables are grown in great 
abundance. Valuable water power in the eastern portion of the county. 
Good transportation facilities afforded by the Mississippi and Tennessee Rail- 
road, which runs through the center of the county. The Tallahatchie river 
will soon be navigable to Batesville, Congress having made appropriations for 
that purpose. 

Two-thirds of the county in timber, consisting of all kinds of oak, ash, 
beech, hickory, poplar, gum, walnut, cherry, locust and cypress. In the west- 
ern half of the county the pasturage is good. 

Churches and schools numerous and excellent. Society good, and the climate- 
healthy. 

There are two Court-houses, one at Sardis, a town of 1000 inhabitants, and 
the other at Batesville, 800 population. The other towns are Como, 300; Court- 
land, 300; Popes, 250 population; all situated on the Mississippi and Tennes- 
see Railroad. 

Some attention has been paid to stock raising, but very little to sheep hus- 
bandry; both could be made very profitable. 

The people of Panola county are alive to the advantages of immigration. 
The land owners will offer special inducements in prices of lands and terms to 
permanent settlers. 

Delinquent lands held by State Auditor for sale 5,640 acres^ 

Internal improvement lands for sale 691 acres. 

Chickasaw School Lands for sale 1 ,760 acres.. 

Population in 1870 fro.n United States census 20,750 

Population in 1880 from United States census 28,352 

White people 9,517 

Colored people 18,834 

Acreage in cotton in 1879 67,060 acres. 

Bales produced in 1879 30,055 bales.. 

Bales made by white labor 11,134 

Bales made by black labor 18,724 

Bushels of corn produced in 1879 521,193 

Bushels of oats produced in 1879 22,016 

Bushels of wheat xjroduced in 1879 9,351 

Pounds of tobacco xDroduced in 1879 3,347 

All kinds of vegetables, fruits, etc., raised for home consumption. 

Note. — In 1877, part of the county was taken to form Quitman county. 



PERRY COUNTY. (See Map.) 

Perry county was established February 3, 1820. Augusta is the county seat.. 
The water-courses are the Leaf river and numerous creeks in all parts of the 
county. The New Orleans & Northeastern Railroad passes through the north- 
western portion of the county. 

Surface of the county generally undulating, but level on the creek and river 
bottoms. Nearly the whole is heavily timbered with long-leaf or yellow pine; 
on the creeks and rivers, oaks, hickory, poplar, magnolia, black and sweet gum, 
etc. The soil on creek and river bottoms fertile; away from the streams, poor. 
Produces corn, cotton, sugar-cane, rice, peas, sweet potatoes, etc. Peaches,, 
pears, grapes and small fruits do well — only cultivated for home consump- 
tion. 

Pasturage very extensive for summer range, and considerable attention is- 



Pike County. 75 

being paid to stock-raising, especially to sheep husbandry; but very little done 
in the way of improved breeds. 

The county is intersected by numerous streams, affording fine water-power 
advantages. 

Church advantages limited. Free schools four months in the year. County 
generally healthy; some chills and fever during the autumn months. 

Character of society good, bad and indifferent (so says the Superintendent 
of Public Education) ; the latter preponderating. 

While there is no special desire to encourage immigration, yet all worthy 
persons who, in good faith, cast their lots w'"th us, are heartily welcome to 
come and help bear the burtliens of government. 

United States lands for sale 293,080 acres. 

Population in 1870, from United States census 2,694 

Population iu 1880, from United States census 3,427 

White people 2 357 

Colored^eople 1,090 

Acreage in cotton in 1879 537 acres. 

Bales produced in 1879 146 bales. 

Bales made by white labor 128 

Bales made by black labor 18 

Bushels of corn produced in 1S79 38,447 

Bushels of oats produced in 1879 20,200 

All kinds of vegetables, fruits, etc., raised for home consumption. 



PIKE COUNTY. (See Map.) 

Pike county was established February 9, 1815. Magnolia, the county seat, is 
on the lUiuois Central Railroad, and has about 700' inhabitants. The other 
towns on railroad are Summit, (2,000,) McComb City, (2,000,) Osyka, (500). 

Water-courses are Bogue Chitto river and tributaries, the Tangipahoa and 
tributaries, affording vast water-power. 

The Illinois Central Railway runs the whole length of the county from north 
to south. 

The county contains 720 square miles, or 460,800 acres of land, about one- 
third of whicli is in cultivation, tlie balance fairly timbered — principally yel- 
low pine or long-leaf pine. The other kinds of timber are white oak, red oak, 
black oak, walnut, hickory, beech, maple, cypress, etc. The character of the 
soil is varied. On the river and creek bottoms a rich loam; the hammock land 
not so rich, with clay subsoil, which holds fertilizers and is very productive. 
Produces good crops of corn, cotton, rye, oats, sorghum, sugar-cane, rice and 
potatoes. The fruits are apples, pears, peaches, figs, etc. Small fruits, black, 
dew and raspberries and strawberries, to' the latter of which considerable atten- 
tion has been paid on the line of the railroad. The strawberries and other 
fruits are shipped to Chicago, 111., where tliey command good prices 

Pasturage extensive and good— the native woods grasses for summer, and 
the switch-cane for winter. Many are now going into the business of stock- 
raising, with profit. Sheep do remarkably well in this county. Climate salu- 
brious; air pure and bracing. Church and school privileges good. Society 
excellent. 

A good many saw and grist mills in the county. Immigrants greatly needed, 
and -will be highly appreciated. Water, climate and educational facilities 
would render the intelligent foreigner and Northern or Western man happy 
and contented. Lands can be purchased at from |1 to .f 10 per acre, according 
to quality, improvements and location. 

A number of thrifty Northern and Western men have located in this county 
as farmers and mechanics. They are all doing well, and, as a general thing, 
like their homes. 

United States lands for sale 66,640 acres. 

Delinquent lands held by State Auditor for sale 7,320 acres. 



76 PONTOTOO AND PebNTISS' CoOTTII 

Population in 1870 from United States census ». 11,303 

Population in 1880 from United States census 16,688 

White people 8,573 

Colored people 8,115 

Acreage in cotton in 1879 19,842 acres. 

Bales produced in 1879 6,507 bales. 

Bales made by white labor 8,018 

Bales made by black labor 3,489 

Bushels of corn produced in 1879 206,810 

Bushels of oats produced in 1879 55,909 

Bushels of wheat produced in 1879 60 

Pounds of tobacco produced in 1879 400 

All kinds of vegetables, fruits, etc., raised for home consumption. 



PONTOTOC COUNTY. (See Map.) 

Pontotoc county was established February 9, 1836. Pontotoc is the county 
seat, situated near the centre of the county. Water-courses are the Tallahatchie 
river, running along the northern boundary, and the Loosha Scoona, in the 
southwestern portion, with numerous creeks and branches, making it a well 
watered county. The soil is a sandy yellow loam, with black and hammock 
land, and produces good crops of cotton, corn, wheat, oats, sorghum, potatoes, 
melons, field peas, and all kinds of vegetables. 

About one-fourth of the land is cleared, the rest well timbered, rather undu- 
lating, some level and some portions broken. The varieties of timber are oaks 
of all kinds, hickory, walnut, pine, poplar, ash, chestnut, cypress, etc. 

The school and church privileges are very good; free schools four months in 
the year. 

Pasturage in the western portion of the county very good, climate healthy 
and mild. The hills are 1,500 feet above the tide-water in the Gulf of Mexico, 
making the air salubrious. 

Has a sober, industrious and law-abiding population. 

A number of grist and saw mills in the county. Very little attention paid to 
stock-raising and sheep husbandry at present, but many turning their attention 
in that way. 

Orchards in abundance, for home consumption. 

Grapes do well, especially the scuppernoug. 

Land cheap, timber plenty, good water and a healthy climate. Good and 
industrious immigrant farmers will receive a hearty welcome and kind treat- 
ment from our people. 

Delinquent lands held by State Auditor for sale 3,0S0 acres. 

Population in 1870, from United States census 12.525 

Population in 1880, from United States census 13,588 

White people 9,338 

Colored jDeople 4,250 

Acreage in cotton in 1 879 21 ,448 acres. 

Bales produced in 1879 8,085 bales. 

Bales made by white labor 5,763 

Bales made by black labor 2,322 

Bushels of corn produced in 1879 414,335 

Bushels of oats produced in 1879 18,826 

Bushels of wheat produced in 1879 14,692 

Pounds of tobacco produced in 1879 15,207 

All kinds of ve .etables, fruits, etc., raised for home consumption. 

Note. — In 1870, part of this county was taken to form Union county. 



PRENTISS COUNTY. (See Map.) 
Prentiss county was established April 15, 1870. Booneville, the county seat, 



Quitman County. 77 

is situated on the Mobile & Ohio Railroad, which runs through the centre of 
the county from north to south, thus affording good railroad facilities. The 
numerous creeks and streams forming the head-waters of the Tombigbee river 
afford, in many parts of the county, iine-water power. 

About one-fourth of the county open lands, the balance well timbered with 
the different kinds of oak, hickory, elm, beech, walnut, poplar, ash, gum and 
pine. The soil may be classed as good, medium and poor; on the creek bot- 
toms very fertile; on the undulating uplands medium to good; on the steep 
hills poor. Produces corn, cotton, oats, wheat, sorghum, pens, potatoes, etc. 
Vegetables of all kinds and fruits, such as apples, jiears, peaches, strawberries, 
blackberries, dewberries, are grown and do well. 

Fine beds of marl have been found and used to some extent as a fertilizer. 
In the railroad cut near Booneville, a large bed of oyster shells was found, in 
grading the railroad. Lime could be made from these oyster shells and used 
as a permanent fertilizer. Limestone is |also found in some portions of the 
county. 

Church and school advantages very good. The people are moral, industrious 
and law-abiding. 

The health of the county excellent. Booneville Summit is the highest point 
on the M. & 0. R. R., it being BlU feet above tide-water in Mobile Bay. 

Honest, industrious and leliable settlers in this county, whether from the 
North, West or the Atlantic Southern States, will meet with a hearty reception 
and kind treatment by tlu citizens of Prentiss county. 

Delinquent lands held by State Auditor for sale 1,040 acres. 

Population in 1870. from United States census 9,348 

Population in 1880, from United States census 12, 1.58 

AVhite people 9,737 

Colored people 2,421 

Acreage in cotton in 1879 1^,510 acres. 

Bales produced in 1879 7,207 bales. 

Bales made by white labor 6,364 

Bales made by black labor 843 

Bushels of corn produced in 1879 368,777 

Bushels of oats produced in 1879 35,.534 

Bushels of wheat produced in 1879 4,798 

Pounds of tobacco produced in 1879 13,406 

All kinds of vegetables, fruits, etc., raised for home consumption. 



QUITMAN COUNTY. (See Map.) 

Quitman county was established February 1, 1877. Belen is the county seat. 
The Cold Water river flows through the centre of county. The surface land of 
county level, it lying entirely in the bottom. The soil is alluvial bottom land 
of great fertility and will produce from one to two bales of cotton or thirty to 
sixty bushels of corn per acre, when properly drained, cultivated and jirotected 
from overflow. The timber growth consists of immense white oak, red and 
sweet gum, poplar, black walnut, hickory, and a great abundance of large and 
fine cypress. The crops produced are principally cotton and corn, but oats, 
millet, tobacco, sorghum and wheat will do very well when planted and prop- 
erly cultivated. All kinds of vegetables and fruits adapted to the latitude are 
grown for home consumption. Pasturage very good and extensive. All kinds 
of grass, such as Bermuda, Orchard, Herds, Johnson grass, and also red clover 
will grow luxuriantly. These, together with cane-brakes for winter pasture, 
make Quitman a fine stock county. 

For a thinly populated county, the school advantages are good. Some 
churches, but mostly for colored people. There are so few white people, and 
they live so far apart, they cannot be very social. The health of county fair; 
disease mostly malarial, chills and fevers, intermittent fever, bilious fever — all 
of which yield readily to medical treatment. 



78 Rankin County. 

Game plentiful — fish of various kinds, deer, wild turkey, bear, wild cats, 
squirrels, and some panthers are found in county. 

Wild lands are cheap — f 1 to |5 per acre; improved lands from $10 to $30 
per acre. Immigrants of good character will be hospitably received and kindly 
treated. 

Delinquent lands held by State Auditor for sale 35,320 acres. 

Internal Improvement lands for sale . 4,840 acres. 

Chickasaw school lands for sale 10,080 acres. 

Population in 1880 from United States census 1,407 

White people 502 

Colored people ■ 815 

Acreage in cotton in 1879 .- 3,420 acres. 

Bales produced in 1879 2,337 bales. 

Bales made by white labor 621 

Bales made by black labor "*. 1,716 

Bushels of corn produced in 1879 34,510 

Bushels of oats produced in 1879 680 

All kinds of vegetables, fruits, etc., raised for home consumption. 

Note — This county was not in existence in 1870. 



RANKIN COUNTY. (See Map.) 

Rankin county was established February 4, 1828. Brandon, situated on 
the Vicksburg and Meridian Railroad, is the county seat. The other towns 
are: ''Steen's Creek, Cato, Fannin, Pelahatchie and Armistead. Watercourses: 
Pearl river forms the western boundary of the county, and is navigable for six 
months in the year. Strong river runs across the southeastern corner; these 
rivers and their numerous tribiitary creeks, give the county fine water power. 
The Vicksburg and Meridian xlailroiid runs through the centre of the county 
from east to west, on the 32d parallel of latitude; is a link in the Texas 
Pacific Railroad system and belongs to the Erlanger Syndicate. 

There is a spoke and wagon factory and planing mill at Armistead. 

Transportation facilities good. Pearl river six months in the year, the 
Vicksburg and Meridian Railroad and the Illinois Central Railroad. 

The open land in the county is about 65,000 acres, the rest well wooded, 
much of it level, a good deal undulating, and some broken. There are a num- 
ber of large limestone quarries and beds of rich marl in various po'rtions 
of this county, and a large amount of the finest building stone in the South- 
ern portion. The soil on the creek bottoms, and much of the uplands is 
rich and productive. The products are, corn, cotton, peas. Irish and sweet 
potatoes, rice, wheat, oats, barley, rye, millet and sugar-cane, with vegetables 
of all kinds in great abundance. There are large bodies of long-leaf or yel- 
low pine, white and red oak, hickory, beech, poplar, ash, gum, walnut, cypress, 
etc. 

The pasturage is good throughout the cbunty, including large areas of prairie 
lands, and fine bodies of switch-cane on river and creek bottoms, making it a 
fine stock raising country. 

Church and school privileges excellent, society good, climate mild and 
salubrious. Apples, pears, peaches, figs, plums, apricots, pomegranates, all 
varieties of grapes, pecans, etc., do well and produce abundantly, as do also all 
the small fruits. 

Good and industrious immigrants will receive a hearty welcome and kind 
treatment. 

United States lands for sale 19,640 acres. 

Delinquent lands held by State Auditor for sale 11,320 acres. 

Population in 1870, from United States census 12,977 

Population in 1880, from United States census 16,752 

White people 7,192 

Colored people 9,560 



Scott and Shabkey Counties. 79 

Acreage in cotton, in 1879 30,151 acres. 

Bales produced in 1879 11,775 bales. 

Bales made by white labor 4,734 

Bales made by black labor 7,041 

Bushels of corn produced in 1879 271,996 

Bushels of oats produced in 1879 59,450 

Bushels of ^yheat produced in 1879 45 

Pounds of tobacco j)roduced in 1879 5,798 

All kinds of vegetables, fruits, etc., raised for home consumption. 



SCOTT COUNTY. (See Map.) 

Scott county was established December 23, 1833. Forest, the county seat, is 
a thrifty town situated on the Vicksburg and Meridian Railroad. The other 
towns are Morton, Harperville, Hillsboro, Homewood, etc. 

The county is watered by several creeks and streams, tributaries to Pearl and 
Leaf rivers. 

The Vicksburg and Meridian Railroad runs through the whole width of 
county, affoj-'ding railroad transportation. A large wagon factory at Lake 
Station. 

The surface of the county level on rivers and creek bottoms, a great deal 
undulating and some hillj. The timber growth consists of long and short leaf 
pine, various kinds of oak, fiickory, poplar, beech, red and sweet gum, etc. 
The soil is varied from sandy hills to stiff clay fiatwoods. The most par^ of 
county easily cultivated and readily improved, producing good crops of corn, 
cotton, oats, wheat, sugar-cane, rice, sorghum, sweet and Irish jiotatoes. All 
kinds of vegetables and fruits adapted to this latitude. 

Pasturage quite extensive, and some attention has been paid to stock-raising; 
it could be made very profitable. The "reed brakes in this county are very fer- 
tile, and when well drained and cultivated, produce 50 to 80 bushels of corn per 
acre. 

Fine marl beds and limestone in this county. 

Society good, church and school advantages as good as any in the State. 
Fine collegiate Institute at Harperville in this county, affording an opportu- 
nity for a good education in the advanced studies as well as the ordinary 
branches. 

Lands are cheap, unimproved from '$1.25 to §5 per acre, improved lands 
from individual owners at $4 toy$10 per acre, according to location and im- 
provements. 

United States L^nds for sale 1G,080 acres. 

Delinquent lands held by State Auditor for sale None. 

Population in 1870 from United States census 7,847 

Population in 1880, from United States census 10,845 

White people 6,632 

Colored people 4,213 

Acreage in cotton in 1879 16,282 acres. 

Bales produced in 1879 6,227 bales. 

Bales made by white labor 4,671 

Bales made by black labor 1 :556 

Bushels of corn produced in 1879 193,013 

Bushels of oats produced in 1879 50,370 

Bushels of wheat produced in 1879 729 

Pounds of tobacco produced in 1879 11,044 

Ail kinds of vegetables, fruits, etc., raised for home consumption. 



SHARKEY COUNTY. (See Map.) 

Sharkey county was established March 29, 1876. Rolling Fork is the county 
■seat. 



80 Simpson County. 

• 

The water courses in county are Deer Creek, Ijittle Sunflower, and the Big 
Sunflower flows along the eastern boundary. Deer Creek and the Sunflower 
river afford fine transportation facilities during the greater portion of the 
year. 

. The Louisville, New Orleans & Texas Railroad runs through the eastern part 
of the county from north to south, giving Sharkey county direct transportation 
to the Memphis and New Orleans markets. 

This county lies entirely in the Mississippi bottom, and the surface is 
level. The soil is alluvial and very fertile, generally . "buckshot" with some 
sandy soil on the bayous and creeks. The timber growth consists of wliite 
and red oak, hickory and cotton wood, red and sweet gum, poplar, pecan and 
cypress. 

The products are corn, cotton, oats, notatoes, sorghum, all kinds of vegeta- 
bles and fruits suitable to climate, grow in great luxuriance and abundance. 

With proper cultivation one to two bales of cotton, or 30 to 60 bushels of 
corn per acre can be grown. 

Pasturage is very extensive and good, consisting of the native grasses for 
summer and the cane-brakes for winter. 

Public free schools established all over the county for whites and blacks 
(separate). Church privileges good; what little there is of it, society good. 

I'his is a fine and rich river bottom county, with cheap lands, unimproved at 
from |3 to $5 per acre, and improved lands at from $10 to i|30 per acre, ac- 
cording to improvement and location. 

All good and true men desiring permanent homes, are invited to come and 
locate in this county; they will meet with a hearty welcome and kind treat- 
ment. 

Delinquent lands held by State Auditor for sale 10,920 acres. 

Population in 1880, from United States census 6.306 

White people 1.405 

Colored people 4,901 

Acreage in cotton in 1879 17,041 acres. 

Bales produced in 1879 14,162 bales. 

Bales made by white labor 1,573 

Bales made by black labor 12.589 

Bushels of corn produced in 1879 169,130 

Bushels of oats produced in 1879 350 

All kinds of vegetables, fruits, etc., raised for home consumption. 

Note — This county was formed in 1876 from parts of Warren, Issaquena 
and Washington counties. 



SIMPSON COUNTY, (See Map.) 

Simpson county was established January 23, 1824. Westville is the county 
seat. Water courses: Pearl river flows along the western boundary of the coun- 
ty, and is navigable for small steamboats to Jackson, in Hinds county. Strong 
rjver flows through the centre of the county from northeast to southwest, 
which, with its numerous tributaries, affords excellent water power; fine mill 
sites can be found on all the creeks. 

At the present time there are no large factories, only a few grist and saw 
mills and carding machines in the county. 

About one-sixth of the county open lands, the balance finely timbered, prin- 
cipally with the long-leaf or yellow pine; but on the creeks and river bottoms 
there are oaks of all kinds, ash, beech, magnolia, pecan, hickory, poplar, 
cypress, etc. 

Sarface of the land generally undulating, level on rivers and creeks, 
and other portions hilly. The soil is very fertile for pine lands. The lands 
on the three forks of Silver Creek are said to be the finest in East Mississippi. 

Pastilrage very extensive of the native grasses and switch- cane. Stock does 
well all the year — needs little or no attention during the year. 



Smith County. 81 

No attention has been paid io frnits, except for home use. PeaoheSj apples, 
/pears, figs, plums, pomegranates, grapes and all the smaller fruits do well 
The agricultural products are corn, cotton, sugar-cane, rice, sorghum, oats 
field peas, ground peas, etc. Game is plentiful, such as fish of various kinds, 
deer, wild turkeys, partridges, wild ducks, etc. 

Every neighborhood has a church and school. Society plain, honest, sober 
aud law-abiding. Climate mild and healthy, except on the river bottoms, 
where they have some chills and fever. 

Simpson county needs thi-ifty aud enterprising farmers, mechanics and mill- 
men. There is nothing lacking except capital and enterprise. 

United States lands for sale 15,440 acres. 

Delinquent lands held by State Auditor for sale 2,160 acres. 

Population in 1870 from United Statei^ census 5,718 

Population in 1880 from United States census 8,005 

White people 4,993 

Colored people 3,012 

Acreage in cotton in 1879 8,855 acres. 

Bales produced in 1879 3,501 bales. 

Bales produced by white labor 2,793 

Bales produced by black labor 707 

Bushels of corn produced in 1879 147,672 

Bushels of oats produced in 1879 24,817 

Pounds of tobacco produced in 1879 1,239 

All kinds of vegetables, fruits, etc., raised for home consumption. 



SMITH COUNTY. (See Map.) 

Smith county was established December 23, 1833. Raleigh, the county seat, 
is situated near the centre of the county. There are eight small towns in the 
■county. The water courses are Leaf and Strong rivers, with their numerous 
tributary creeks and branches and afford fine water power. 

About one-third of the lands open, the balance well timbered, priucipally 
with long-leaf or yellow pine. On the creek and river bottoms the surface is 
level, some gently undulating as you leave the creeks, aud hilly. The soil is 
partly red and black prairie, very fertile for corn and cotton; partly rich bot- 
tom lands, and partly hill lands, tree aud productive and some '"reed brakes" 
-which have beeu, and are bfcing drained, and when well cultivated will make 
from 50 to 100 bushels of corn per acre. The timber growth is principally 
long-leaf pine, but on the bottoms white, red and black oak, hickory, chestnut, 
beech, magnolia, pecan, cypress, etc. 

Pasturage extensive. Wood range for summer and switch-cane on bottoms 
for winter. Sheep husbandry and cattle raising could be made very profitable. 
Very little attention has been paid to fruit growing; all kinds suitable to the 
climate do well, but only raised for home consumption. 

Game — Deer, wild turkeys, wild dacks, raccoon, opossum, partridge, etc., 
afford fine sport for hunters. 

Climate mild and very healthy. The people are sober, moral and law-abid- 
ing. Churches in every neighborhood and free or public schools for four 
months in each year. 

Good lands belonging to individuals can be bought or rented on reasonable 
terms and low prices, from $1.50 to $10 per acre, according to improvements 
and location. 

United States lands for sale ^ . . . . 115,320 acres. 

Delinquent lands held by State Auditor for sale 3,930 acres. 

Population in 1870, from United States census 7,126 

Population in 1880, from United States census 8,084 

White people 6,452 

Colored people 1,632 

-Acreage in cotton in 1879 10,543 acres. 

6 



82 SUNFLOWEB AND TALLAHATCHIE COUNTIES. 

Bales produced in 1879 3,721 bales. 

Bales made by white labor 3,201 

Bales made by black labor , . 520 

Bnshels of corn produced in 1879 156.952 

Bushels of oats produced in 1879 46,959 

Bushels of wheat produced in 1879 487 

Pounds of tobacco produced in 1879 10,592 

A.11 kinds of vegetables, fruits, etc., raised for home consumption. 



SUNFLOWER COUNTY. (See Map.) 

Sunflower county was established February 15, 1844. Johnsonville, the 
county seat, is situated on the teunflower river, which runs from north to south 
through the whole length of county. The other water-courses are Jones Bayou, 
Porter's Bayou, Indian Bayou and Mound Bayou. 

The western branch of the Georgia Pacific Railroad is in operation from 
Greenville, on the Mississippi river, to Johnsonville, and afifords fine railroad 
facilities. 

One-fifth of the land is open for cultivation, and the other four-fifths is 
heavily timbered with white and red oak, hickory, red and sweet gum, cotton- 
wood, ash and cypress. 

The county, being entirely in the bottom, is level, and the soil very fertile 
and productive. Will produce from one to two bales of cotton per acre, or 
thirty to sixty bushels of corn per acre, with proper cultivation. Products are- 
cotton, corn, peas, potatoes, sugar-cane, sorghum, and all kinds of fruits and 
vegetables suitable to this climate. 

Pasturage quite extensive — all kinds of native grasses for summer, and cane 
for winter, fcitock can be cheaply raised in this county. 

Churches and schools are established in every neighborhood where popula- 
tion is sufficient. Society good. 

Mild and moist climate. Malarinl and intermittent fevers prevail to some 
extent in the autumn, but will yield readily to medical treatment. ' 

Transportation facilities good, by railroad and steamboat. 

The citizens are prepared and ready to give all settlers a hearty welcome, no 
matter from where they come. 

Delinquent lands held by State Auditor for sale. . .• 49.320 acres. 

Internal Improvement lands for sale 4.840 acres. 

Population in 1870, from United States census 5.015 

Population in 1880, from United States census 4,661 

White people 1,766 

Colored people 2,895 

Acreage in cotton in 1879 7,107 acres. 

Bales produced in 1879 5,707 bales.. 

Bales made by white labor 2,373 

Bales made by black labor 3.334 

Bushels of corn produced in 1879 61,393 

Bushels of oats produced in 1879 1,515 

All kinds of vegetables, fruits, etc., raised for home consumption. 

Note. — In 1871, part of this county was taken to form Leflore county. 

TALLAHATCHIE COUNTY. (See Map.), 

Tallahatchie county was established December 23, 1833 Charleston, the 
county seat, is situated in the forks of the Tillatoba. The Yazoo river flows 
nearly through the center of the county. 

Three-fourths of Tallahatchie county lies in the Yazoo river bottom, very 
rich alluvial soil, and when protected from overflows and well drained, will 
produce from one to two bales of cotton per acre, and from thirty to sixty 



Tate County. 83 

bushels of corn. The eastern part of county (about one-fourth,) lies in the liills, 
which are generally uiidalating and not ujuch broken lands. Soil of a yellow 
clay loam. Timber growth in tlie hills: various kinds of oak, liickory, poplar, 
beech, etc. ; in the bottoms, white oak, overcup oak, red and sweet gum, liickory, 
poplar, bhick walnut, sycamore, cyjiress, etc Products: cotton, corn, onts, 
wheat, sorghun). sweet and Irish potatoes, etc. All kinds of vegetables anil 
fruits adax>ted to climate. 

Pasturage very extensive — the native grasses in the range for summer, and 
switch cane intlie bc^ttoms for winter. Stock-raising vejy protitable. Beds of 
marl have been found in the eastern part of county. There is also some lig- 
nite or brown coah 

Church and school privileges are good. The people of Tallahatchie are 
moral, industrious and law-abiding. Health of county generally good; some 
chills and fever in the bottoms, which yield readily to medical treatment. 

Immigrants of good character, with energy and some means, would do well 
to settle in this county; they will meet with a hospitable reception and kind 
treatment from the citizens. 

United States lands for sale 7.420 acres. 

Delinquent lands held by State Auditor for sale 87,6-40 acres. 

Internal Improvement lands for sale 4,880 acres. 

Chickasaw school hinds for sale .5.280 acres. 

Population in 1870, from United States census 7.8.52 

Population in 1H80, from United States census 10.!)2G 

White people 4,169 

Colored people 6,7.57 

Acreage in cotton in 187t) 22,643 acres. 

Bales produced in 187!) 1 1,.570 acres. 

Bales made by white labor 3,856 

Bales made by bhick labor 7.714 

Bushels of corn produced in 1879 205,7 19 

Bushels of oats produced in 1879 9,288 

Bushels of wheat ])roduced in 1879 670 

Pounds of tobacco produced in 1 879 5.732 

All kinds of vegetables, fruits, etc., raised for home consumption. 



TATE COUNTY. (See Map.) 

Tate county was established April 1.5. 1873. Senatobia, the county seat^ 
(1,000 inhabitants,) is situated on the Mississippi & Tennessee Ralroad, as, also, 
Coldwater Depot. Water-courses are the Coldwater river, Hickaiiala, Senato- 
bia and Arkabuthi creeks. 

One-third open lands, the rest timbered, and the surface generally uudulat- 
ing. and level on the creeks. 

The Mississippi & Tennessee Railroad runs through the county from north- 
west to soutlieast, affording railroad transportation. It is about 40 miles from 
Senatobia to Mempliis, Tennessee, by railroad. 

The soil generally fertile, producing corn, cotton, oats, wlieat, rye, sweet and 
Irish potatoes, peanuts, etc. The timber trees are all kinds of oaks, gum, pop- 
lar, walnut, beech, elm, etc. 

But little attention has been given to fruit-growing — only raised for home 
consumption. Apples, pears, peaches, figs, strawberries, blackberries, dew- 
berries, etc., do well and would be profitable if grown for market. 

Church and school advantages good — free or public schools are ojjen for four 
or five months during the year. 

Climate mild and usually healthy; some chills and fever in the latter part of 
summer and early fall. 

Society is good as any in the land. 

No attention has been paid to stock-raising and sheep hasbaiulry: could be 
made very profitable. 



Si Tippah County. 

Lauds are cheap^from $3 to $20 per acre, according to quality and loca- 
tion. Clover and orchard grass, timothy, herds grass and Bermuda grass grow 
well, and would be \evy profitable for hay and stock. 

' Delinquent lands held by State Auditor for sale 10,160 acres. 

Population in 1880, from United States census 18,721 

White people 9,089 

Colored people , 9,632 

Acreage in cotton in 1879 48,245 acres. 

Bales produced in 1879 ' 22,658 bales. 

Bales made by white labor 10,813 

Bales made by black labor 11,840 

Bushels of corn produced in-1879 467,144 

Bushels of oats produced in 1879 17,628 

Bushels or wheat produced in 1879 6,496 

Founds of tobacco produced in 1879 1,030 

All kinds of vegetables, fruits, etc., raised for home consumption. 

Note — This county was not in existence in 1870. 



TIPPAH COUNTY. (See Map.) 

Tippah county was established February 9, 1836. Ripley, the county seat j 
has 800 inhabitants and is the present terminus of the Ripley, Ship Island & 
Kentucky Railroad. Water courses are: the two Hatchies, the Tallahatchie, 
and numerous small streams, making it a well watered county. Water power 
good. 

The Memphis & Charleston Railroad, (in Tennessee) runs within a few miles 
of the Northern boundary and the entire width of the county. The Ripley, 
Ship Island & Kentucky Railroad is completed from Middleton, Tenn., to Rip- 
ley, and is chartered to run to Ship Island on the Gulf of Mexico. Three- 
fourths of the land in the county is timbered and hilly, and one-sixth bottom 
lands and level. The timber trees are: pine, oaks, poplar, walnut, gum, hicko- 
ry, ash, cypress, etc. The soil is generally productive, and produces corn, cot- 
ton, wheat, oats, rye, sorghum, millet, sweet and Irish potatoes, all kinds of 
vegetables and fruits; but only grown for home consumption. 

Limestone and good marls have been found in some parts of the county; also 
lignite. (brown coal) and some traces of bituminous coal. 

Pasturage generally good. Some attention is now being paid to stock rais- 
ing and sheep husbandry. 

Church and school advantages excellent. A Female College at Ripley, and 
one at Blue Mountain. High Schools for boys at Ripley and Blue Mountain, 
and public or free schools all over the county. Climate very healthy, society 
good, people sober, industrious and law-abiding. 

This county has lands productive and cheap, at from f 1 to $10 per acre, ac- 
cording to quality, improvement and location. 

Good, sober, industrious and reliable settlers will receive a hearty welcome 
to Tippah county. 

Delinquent lands held by State Auditor for sale 4,320 acres. 

Population in 1870 from United States census 20,727 

Population in 1880 from United States census* 12,867 

White people 9,801 

Colored people 3,065 

Acreage in cotton in 1879 18,758 acres. 

Bales produced in 1879 7,424 bales. 

Bales made by white labor ,- • . . 6,074 

Bales made by black labor 1,350 

Bushels of corn produced in 1879 , 385,623 

Bushels of oats produced in 1879 36,435 

Bushels of wheat produced in 1879 17,941 



Tishomingo and Tunica'' Counties. 65- 

Pounds of tobacco produced in 1879 25,127 

All kinds of vegetables, fruits, etc, raised for home consumption. 
*NoTE— In 1870 parts of this county were taken to form Union and Benton 

counties. 



TISHOMINGO COUNTY. (See Map.) 

Tishomingo county was established February 9, 183G. luka, the county seat, 
is located on the Memphis and Charlestdn Railroad, and contains 850 
inhabitants. The other towns are, Burnsville, Bay Spring, Eastport and Car- 
tersville. 

The Tennessee river flows along the northeastern corner, and the other water 
courses are. Bear Creek, Little Bear, Cripple Deer, MacKeys, Indian, and Yel- 
low Creeks, affording splendid water power. Factories: Bay Springs Cotton 
Factory and Merchant Flour Mill, besides several grist and saw mills. 

For transportation: The Tennessee River, and the Memphis and Charleston 
Railroad — 40 cents par 100 lbs. to Memphis, Tennessee, and 65 cents to Louis- 
ville, Kentucky; 40 cents to Evansville, Indiana; $1.75 per bale of cotton to 
Memphis; $1 to Evansville, and $1.25 to Cincinnati, Ohio. About one-third 
of county open lands; the surface undulating, with level creek bottoms; north- 
east portion broken and hilly. The timber trees are, pine, black-jack, post oak, 
white oak, red oak, hickory, poplar, gum, walnut, maple, cypress, etc. 

The character of the soil is light, sandy, easily cultivated, and the bottom 
lands on creeks rich alluvial. Produces corn, cotton, oats, wheat, rye, rice, 
sorghum, tobacco, potatoes, etc. Peaches, pears, plums, figs, and the small 
fruits do well. This is a good cbunty for stock raising. Cattle and sheep do 
well for seven months in the year on the woods pasture. 

Church and school privileges very good. Public free schools open five months 
in the year. Society good, people moral, industrious and temperate. A dry 
and salubrious climate. Fine mineral water springs at luka, where many 
people every summer resort for health. The minerals in the county are iron, 
kaolin, (porcelain clay.) alumnious limestone for hydraulic cement, silica 79 
per cent, pure, red-paint earth, fire proof brick clay, yellow okra, elc. luka 
has seventeen mineral springs; some seasons visited by over 5,000 people. 
Good, industrious and reliable immigrants will receive a hearty welcome, and 
kind treatment. 

Delinquent lands held by State Auditor for sale 8,G40 acres. 

Population in 1870 from United States census 7,350 

Population in 1880 from United States census 8,774 

White people 7,Gll 

Colored people 1 )163 

Acreage in cotton in 1879 ., 7,555 acres. 

Bales produced in 1879 2,672 bales. 

Bales made by white labor 2,432 

Bales made by black labor 240 

Bushels of corn produced in 1879 280,054 

Bushels of oats produced in 1879 25,282 ^ 

Bushels of wheat produced in 1879 3,094 

Pounds of tobacco produced in 1879 13,526 

All kinds of vegetables, fruits, etc., raised for home consumption. 



• TUNICA COUNTY. (See Map.) 

Tunica county was established February 9, 1836. Austin, the county seat, 
has about 250 inhabitants. The Mississippi river flows along the whole west- 
tern boundary of the county; the other streams are, the Cold Water river, In- 
dian Creek and Flower Lake, tributaries of ths Yazoo river. The towns on 
the Mississippi river are Burnett, 0. K., Commerce and Mhoon's. The L., N. O. 
'fe T. R. R. runs through centre of county, from Memphis to New Orleans. 



86 Union County. 

This coTinty lies wholly in the bottom, and is therefore level. The soil allu- 
Tial, black sandy loam on the river fiont; the black, lands are chiefly stiff buck- 
ehot, and both considered very fertile; anything will grow well adapted to the 
climate— cotton, corn, oats, millet, clover, tobacco. About one-eighth cleared, 
tlie balance heavily timbered with white oak. red oak, red and sweet gum, wal- 
fiuti cotton wood, hickory and a great abundance of fine cypress. 

Pasturage very extensive, especially on the back lands; cane, grass and 
acorns for hogs. 

School privileges are good; some churches, but principally for colored peo- 
]gle. Society, very little of it, mostly colored people in the county and the 
white people live so far apart that they cannot be very social. 

Health of the comity fair; the diseases all of a malafial type; chills and 
fever e isily hnndled and not often fat U. 

Thet* are goo.l m luy mills atid gins ia the county, run by ste im power. 

Game, fish, deer. bear, wild tin-keys, wild hogs, wild ducks, wild cats, some 
few panlliers, afford good sport fur liunter. 

Tliare is every alviutiga fo.- i:n ni^'riats. Wikl binds fjra very cheap. ?1 to 
$5 per acra. Good, sober au3 in lastrioas nsTV-comers will find a hearty wel- 
come and every assistance possible will be given thein. 

Delinquent lands hald !)y S'lte A.i litor for sale 12.320 acres. 

Population in 1S7() fi-oin Daitsd States census S.iioS 

Population in 1880 from United States census b.4{i L 

"?\'hite i>eople I,:^ri6 

Colui'ed people 7.'J(\5 

Aci'eage in cottoii in 1879 1().!)9(> acres. 

Bales produced in 1879 ". 10.705 bales. 

Bales made by white laboi- 1.1?;59 

Bales made by black labor 9.4(7() 

Bushels of corn produced in 1879 19S,"-.'i2 

Bushels of oals produced in 1879 ■i,S20 

All kinds of veget-tbles, fraits, etc., raised for lio:ne consumption. 



UNION COUNTY. (See Map.) 

Union county was established Aj^ril 7, 1870. New Albany, the qounty seat, 
lias about 800 inhabitants. The other towns are. Ellistown. Myrtle and Rocky 
Ford. The Tallahatchie river runs through centre of count j, M'hich, wiih its 
numerous tributary creeks, affords good water power. 

About one-fourth of tlie land open, the rest well timbered with white, red and 
black oalc, poplar, hickory, ash, pine. gum. walnut, etc. Loamy sdil with a 
red clay suljsoU, producing cotton, corn, wheat, o its, rye. sweet and Irish pota- 
toes, sorghum and grasses of various kinds. All kinds of vegetables grow fine- 
ly, and fruits, such as apples, peaches, pears, figs, strawberries, blackberries, 
dewberries, etc.. bear good crops for home use. 

Pasturage good and very extensive. Japan clover on the hills and bottoms 
affords tine grazing for sheep and cattle. Stock-raising would be very profita- 
ble in this county. 

The climate is mild and salubrious. Society good — composed of sober, 
moral and industrious people. 

Some lignite, (or brown coal) has been found, also marls and limestone in 
portions of th« county. 

'J'here are several fine grist and saw mills on the Tallahatchie river, and a 
number of steam mill^ in different portions of tb.e county. 

Settlers from the other States of good character, reliable and industrious, 
will meet with a warm welcome in Union county. 

Lands can be bought at from §J to $10 per acre, according to improvements 
and location. 

Delinquent lands held by State Auditor for sale 9.160 acres. 

Population in 1 880, from United States census 13,030 



Waeeen and Washington Counties. 87 

White people 9-940 

Colored people 3.090 

Acreage in cotton in 1879 21,255 acres. 

Bales produced in 1871) 8.259 bales. 

Bales made by whii e labor 6.56.S 

Bales made by black labor : 1.6V)1 

Bushels of corn produced in 1879 429.040 

Bushels of oats produced in 1879 2(!.41." 

Bushels of wheat produced in 1879 •. 13.255 

Pounds of tobacco produced in 1879 7,573 

All kinds of vegetables, fruits, etc , raised for home consumption. 



WARREN COUNTY. (See Map.) 

Warren county was established February 9, I82fi. Vicksburg. the county 
seat, is an enterprising and business city of about 13.000 inhabitants, and has 
tluee sash factories, one cotton-seed oil mill, one ice factory and two largo 
co»ii[)resses. 

The Mississippi river flows along the western border and the Big Black river 
forms the southern and eastern l>oaud.iry of the county. The Yazoo rivcr runs 
througli t le northern and eastern part of the county. 

ThH Vicksburg and xMeridiau Railioid has its termiuus at the heroic city 
and the Cincinnati. New Orleans and Texas R lilway has been completed from' 
Vicksburg to Siireveport. The Louisville, New Orleans and Texas Railroad 
runs along the western border of the county, and through the centre of the 
great Mississippi bottom, from Memphis to New Orleans. 

O.i the river.s the! lands are level; liigh bluffs overhang the Mis=issipps river 
at Vicksburg, and the surface ot the county back to the Big Black river is gen- 
erally broken and hilly. 

Tlia soil is of a rich brownish loam, intermixed with sea shells and of great 
fertility. At one time these hills were densely covered with immense walnut 
trees, from which they derived the name of tlie "Walnut Hills." 

About one-half the land open and the balance timbered with white, red and 
black oak. poplar, ash, locust, elm. mignolia, and some walnut still standing. 
On the river bottoms, gum. cottouwood, and immense cypress brakes. Cotton, 
corn, sorghum, oats, all the grasses are grown, and make good crops. The 
bluff formation in this county seems to bj the home of the pear and the grape. 
Other fruits do weU. and all kinds of vegetables grow luxuriantly. 

Society goofl; cliurch and school advantages abundant. 

Pasturage very extensive, m iklng a tine county for stock raising. 

Settlers of good character and industrious habits will receive a warm wel- 
come in Warren county. 

Delinquent lands held by State Auditor for sale 1G.G40 acres. 

Population in 1 870 from United States census 26.7(;9 

Population in 1880 from United States census 31.212 

White people 8,7 l.S 

Colored people 22.529 

Acreage in cotton in 1879 34.127 acres. 

Bales produced in 1 879 22.950 bales. 

Bales made by white labor 3.487 

Bales made by black labor 19.4«i3 

Bushels of corn produced in 1 879 I8b.567 

Bushels of oats produced in 1 879 1,045 

Pounds of tobacco produced in 1879 -07 

All kinds of vegetables, fruits, etc., raised for homo consumption. 



WASHINGTON COUNTY. (See Map.) 
Washington county was established January 29, 1827. Greenville, the conn- 



88 Wayxe County. 

ty seat, is situated on the Mississippi river, , an enterprising town of about' 
4,000 inhabitants, and is the terminus of the Georgia Pacific Railroad, also 
numerous small .towns on the Mississippi, Deer Creek, and Yazoo river. The 
Mississippi river flows along the western border of the county, and the Yazoo 
along part of the eastern. Deer Creek, Bogue Phalia, Black Bayou, flow 
through the length of the county. Lake Lee, Swan Lake, Silver Lake, Lake 
Washington and Lake Jackson are in the county and afford fine fishing advan- 
tages. There are cotton-seed oil mills at Greenville and Refuge, and various 
wagon and blacksmith shops. 

The Georgia Pacific Railroad is completed from Greenville to Johnsonville 
in Sunflower county, and the road from Greenville down Deer Creek to the 
Sharkey county line. Projected railroad from Yazoo City to Greenville. 

About .560,000 acres of land in the county, probably one-fourth cleared, the 
balance in timber of immense growth, such as gum, oak, ash, white oak, 
hickory, walnut and large cypress brakes of great commercial value. 

Soil, rich alluvial, of great depth, inexhaustible, and produces with negli- 
gent cultivation a bale of cotton, (often two bales) or 50 to 80 bushels of corn 
per acre. Raise cotton for market, and corn for home use, but not enough for 
that purpose. 

Church and school advantages good in all parts of county. Society excel- 
lent. Health, an average with the rest of the Delta; some malarial fevers 
which yield readily to medical treatment. 

This county has a large quantity of the richest lands in the world — improved 
and unimproved, that will be sold cheap on long credit; price from $3 to $20 
per acre, according to location and improvements. 

New comers who are industrious, law-abiding and reliable, will receive a 
hearty welcome and kind treatment from the citizens. 

Delinquent lands held by State Auditor for sale 5,320 acres. 

Population in 1870 from United States census 14,569 

Population in 1880 from United States census 25,365 

White people 3,474 

Colored people , 21,891 

Acreage in cotton in 1879 ' 63,409 acres. 

Bales produced in 1879 64,873 bales. 

Bales made by white labor 7,815 

Bales made by black labor 47,058 

Bushels of corn produced in 1879 400,418 

Bushels of oats produced in 1879 830 

All kinds of vegetables, fruits, etc., raised for home consumptien. 



WAYNE COUNTY. (See Maf.) 

Wayne county was established January 30, 1802. Waynesboro, the county 
seat, is on the Mobile and Ohio Railroad. The other towns are Buckatunna, 
Winchester and State Line. 

The Mobile and Ohio Railway runs through the county from north to 
south. Water courses: Chickasahay river, Buckatunna Creek and numerous 
smaller creeks. 

The surface of county undulating; the soil varies from rich, black prairie, 
to poor pine woods, sandy. The timber is principally long-leaf yellow pine. 
On the bottom lands, magnolia, hickory, water oak, beech, etc. Rich deposits 
of marl. 

The fine streams that run all the year afford splendid water power. 

Woods pasturage good for cattle and sheep. More attention is being paid 
to sheep husbandry than any other stock; will pay over 50 per cent, on in- 
vestment; 60 per cent, of the land in the woods, making a fine range for cattle 
and sheep. Some of the farmers are purchasing improved stock. 

Mild and salubrious climate. Church and school advantages not good in 
the pine district — very good in the farming district. 



Websteb Countt. 



8» 



Some good saw mills doing a good business. But little attention given to 
fruit culture. Peaches, pears, figs and all the small fruits do well. A. large 
nursery of fruits trees, plants, etc., at State Line. , „, ^ ^ 

Nearly one-half the land in this county belongs to the United States Govern- 
ment, and can be purchased at $1.25 per acre. These lands are well timbered, 
and will produce good crops of potatoes, rice, sugar-cane; and by using indus- 
try and some fertilizers, will make a half bale of cotton per acre, or 20 bushels 
of corn. Some farmers are doing well in these pine woods. Stock needs very 
little attention during the winter months. 

United States lands for sale W^J acres. 

Delinquent lands held by State Auditor for sale 7,-^-0 acres. 

Population in 1870, from United States census 4,20b 

Population in 1880, from United States census 8,741 

White people J'^i^ 

Colored people ^'j j„ 

Acreage in cotton in 1879 7,559 acres. 

Bales produced in 1879 V^l, 

Bales made by white labor til 

Bales made by black labor ^^* 

Bushels of corn produced in 1879 hnjl 

Bushels of oats produced in 1879 ^ jt 

Bushels of wheat produced in 1879 *-^ 

Pounds of tobacco produced in 1879 3,-J4: 

All kinds of vegetables, fruits, etc., raised for home consumption. 



WEBSTER COUNTY. (See Map.) 

Webster county was established April G, 1874.* Walthall is the county 
Beat. The other towns are Greensboro,;Cumberland, Cadaretta and Bellefon- 
taine. Water courses: Big Black river, and Horsepen, Liudsey, Spring, Cala- 

About one-fifth of the land open; level on creek bottoms, undulating and 
hilly. Four-fifths timbered land. Pine, several kinds of oak, hickory, poplar, 
beech, ash, black-jack, sweet and black gum and cypress on bottoms. Some of 
the bottom soils very good— the undulating and hilly lands of average fertility 
—black-jack and pine hills and ridges poor. Produces corn, cotton, wheat, 
oats, sweet potatoes, peas, etc. Pasturage extensive in the old fields and woods, 
but only utilized in raising stock for home consumption. 

Fruits, such as peaches, pears, apples, plums, figs and small fruits do well, 
but very little attention paid to them; only grown for home use. 

Church privileges tolerably good. Schools bad, (so report the Chancery 
Clerk,) consisting of free schools, from two to four months in the year; msome 
localities they are continued a longer length of time by subscription. 

Climate mild, and health of county very good; sober, moral and law-abiding 

people. 

A\ebster is termed a hill county; but farmers who pursue the proper course, 
are making a living and a little money. Land is cheap, and new comers who 
will farm properly could do well, and will receive a warm welcome. 

Lignite, or brown coal, has been found in various portions of this county; 
also large beds of iron ore. 

United States lands for sale ■^n'??^ ^^^^^' 

Delinquent lands held by State Auditor for sale J,b4« acres. 

Population in 1880 from United States census 9)535 

White people ^238 

Colored people- • • ^ ";'^, ' 

Acreage in cotton in 1879 l^'fj a«f 3. 

Bales produced in 1879 6,226 bales. 

Bales made by white labor M3« 

Bales made by black labor ^ ''^°° 



90 Wilkinson and Winston Counties. 

Bushels of corn produced in 1879 287,362 

Bushels of oats produced in 1879 29,544 

Bushels of wheat produced in 1879 8,379 

Pounds of tobacco produced in 1879 5,732 

All kinds of vegetables, fruits, etc., raised for home consumption. 

Note. — This county was not in existence in 1870. It was first called Sum- 
ner. Name changed to Webster in 1882. 



WILKINSON COUNTY. (See Map.) 

Wilkinson county was established January 30, 18'"12. Woodville is the county 
seat and is situated at the terminus of the Woodville & Bayou Sara Kailroad. 
The L., N. O. & T. R. R. passes through the eastern border v f the county. 
The Mississippi river floivs alou^ the western bound iry, and Homjchitto the 
northern boanJary of county. The Bail ilo river runs through the centre and 
empties into the Mississippi just above Fort Adams. 

That portion of the coauty 7esl of Woodville, to the Mississippi river, is of 
gre It fertility — wirm, li.^ht, lo.imy and generous soil. The natural growth, 
poplar, lind, mignolii, ash. bl iclc walnut, hickory, oiScs of vai'ious kinds, and 
cypress in river bottoms. The sesoud part of county, lying north of a line 
di-awn due east from Woodville to Amite c Junty line, is less inviting in its 
general aspects and productions. The natural growth consists of pine, poplar, 
ash, beech, catalpa, hickory, oaks, etc. The third division, lying south of the 
line drawn east fron Woodville. is a beautiful agricultural couuty, not so hilly 
ns the other portions, bat geutly undulating. Tiie forest growth consists of the 
largest poplars, hickory, oaks. ash. elm, beech, magnolia, and abounding in 
enormous wild grape aud muscadine vines. The soil of this section is fertile, 
but not so rich as the first division. 

The produ^jts of counly are cott)n, corn, oats, sugar-cane, sorghum, peas^, 
peiinuts, and all the grasses. Vegetables of the various kinds grow in great \ 
luxuriance and abundance. This is a tine county for fruits, especially grapes. 

Pasturage very fine and suitable for stock-raising aud sheep husbandry. 

Church aud school advantages very good; society excellent, and climate mild 
and salubrious. 

A cordial welcome is extended to all immigrants from every section, whose 
object is a perm inent settlement, by the citizens of Wilkinson couuty, Miss. 

United States lands for sale 3,920 acres. 

Delinquent lands held by State Auditor for sale ; l.KJO acres, 

Pojiulation in 1>!70. from United States census 12,70.5 

Population in 1880, from United States census 17.815 

White people 3,569 

Colored people ; 1 4.246 

Acreage in cotton in 1879 33,720 acres. 

Bales produced in 1879 16.(;20 bales. 

Bales made by white labor 1,75G 

Bales made by black labor 14.864 

Bushels of corn produced in 1879 206.985 

Busliels of oats produced in 1879 3,035 

Pounds of tobacco produced in 1879 628 

All kinds of vegetables, fruits, etc., raised for home consumption. 



WINSTON COUNTY. (See Map.) 

Winston county was established December 23, 1833. Louisville is the county 
Beat. Other towns are Plattsbnrg, AVebster and Winstonville. Pidncipal water- 
courses are the Lobutchie, Talahaga and Noxubee, with tributaries, giving very 
good water-power. 

This county has principally a sandy soil on the hills, easy to cultivate and 



Yalobusha County. 91 

very productive when fresh. The bottom lands on the creeks and branches are 
stiff and very fertile. Products: cotton, corn, wheat, oats, field peas, ground 
peas, sweet and Irish potatoes, sorgliuui, ribbon-cane and rice. 

Some of the highest hills in Winston county are 1,5UU feet above tide-water 
in tlie Gulf of Mexico. 

The greater portion of the land is well timbered with pine, various kinds of 
on'K, poislar, gum, beech, walnut, cherry and cypress. Pasturage good for seven 
months in tlie year. Lhurch and school privileges excellent. Sixty-six free 
public schools in the county. Society good. Very liealthy climate. Bitumi- 
nous coal has been found in the county, but las not been developed as yet; also 
good si)ecimens of iron ore. The Star Milling, Mining and Mauufaoturiug 
Company has been chartered and will soon C( c- -euce operations. '1 here are, 
'also, Lir,'e beds of lignite or brown coil, and s I veins of galena or le ul ore 

have been discovered. The Ko.sciu3ko branch or me lUinoiS Central ilailroad 
ruii'i thr()u:,'li Winston county. 

Imrnigr.mts of good c!i ir icter will receive a warm welcome and kind treat- 
ment from the ciiizeus of Winston county. 

United States lands for sale ir..7S)0 acres. 

DtiliiHieiil lands held by SMte .\nditor for sale 'J-Ji) acres. 

Popiil itiou iu 1870. froai United State.-^ censiis 8.!)84 

Population in l«rf!), froai United States census ■'*!-'^^^ ■ 

While peo[)le ^ (J.llo 

C.)lo:e 1 peoule '^'^^-t 

Acre ige in cotton in 1S?'J l-">-0''^l «ci"es. 

B.ile^ produced in 1S7;» f>-'^'j4 bales. 

B lies ni I lo by white labor S.S^'J 

B lies m ide by black labor y^^-l 

Bnsliels of corn produced in lS7i) 217,786 

Bushels of oats produced in llS7i) 37.075 

Bushels of wheat produced in 1879 4.r.f!0 

Pounds of toljacco produced in 187U J,46J 

All kinds of vegetables, fruits, etc., raised for home consumption. 



YALOBUSHA COUNTY. (See Map.) 

Yalobusha county was established December '-':!. 183:'.. rofTeeville, the county 
seat, is situated on the Illinois Central Railroad. The other towns are 
Water Valley and Torrence, on same railroad, (iaruer, O.ikland and Tillatoba, 
on the Mississippi & Tennessee Railro ul. The R lilro ul Machine Shop, 
Yoconi Cotton F ictory. and Sliaw's Foundry and Agricultural Implement 
Works are located at Water Valley, a thriving town, of about 4,000 inhabi- 
tants. 

Surface of land in county level on river and creek bottoms, rest undulating 
nn:l hilly. Tha S^'.iooner river runs through southern portion and the Yocana 
through the northern part of the county, which, with their numerous creeks 
and branches, make it a well watered county. Some good mill sites. 

Soil yellow loam, clay and sandy, tolerably productive, producing corn, cot- 
ton, oats, sorghum, sweet and Irish potatoes, wheat and rye. such fruits a.s 
peaches, pears, early apples, plums, tigs. All the smaller fruits do well, but 
very little attention 'paid to them. AH the various kinds of vegetables are 
grosvn for family use. 

Pasturage extensive— good wood land for summer range, and cane-brakes on 
creek bottoms for winter pasture. Stock-raising could be made very profitable, 
but the jieople generally have eUlon on the brain Lignite or brown coal has 
been found in the county. 

Good church advantages in nearly every neighborhood; two white and two 
cohered free schools in every township. 

The Illinois Central Railroad runs through the connty from north to south, 
and the Mississippi & Tennessee Railroad, from Grenada to Memphis, Tennes- 



92 Yazoo County, 

see, mns through the southern corner and along the western boundary of the 
county, affording ample railroad facilities. Yalobusha citizens say to good 
and reliable people, " Come, and see for yourselves." 

United States lands for sale •. . . . 7,640 acres. 

Delinquent lands held by State Auditor for sale 12,160 acres. 

Population in 1870 from United States census 13,254 

Population in 1880 from United States census 15,653 

White people 7,535 

Colored people 8,118 

Acreage in cotton in 1879 . 30,398 acres. 

Bales produced in 1879 12,989 balea> 

Bales made by white labor 5,668 

Bales made by black labor 7,321 

Bushels of corn produced in 1879 275,309 

Bushels of oats produced in 1879 17,479 

Bushels of wheat produced in 1879 2,981 

Pounds of tobacco produced in 1879 5,323 

All kinds' of vegetables, fruits, etc., raised for home consumption. 



YAZOO COUNTY. (See Map.) 

Yazoo county was established January 21, 1823. Yazoo City is the county- 
seat, an enterprising town of 2,600 inhabitants, situated on the Yazoo ^ river. 
The other towns are Safartia, Dover, Benton, Deasonville, Vaughn's, etc. The 
Yazoo river runs nearly through the centre of county from northeast to south- 
west, and the Big Black river forms the southern and eastern boundary of the 
county. The Yazoo river is navigable all the year. The other water-courses 
are Silver, Panther and Tokeba creeks, and Lake George, Wolf Lake. 

The Illinois Central railroad runs through the eastern border of county. The 
Yazoo & Mississippi Valley Railroad runs from Jackson to Yazoo City and 
passes through a fine portion of the county. There is one cotton-seed oil mill 
at Yazoo City. Facilities for transportation to market good and charges mod- 
erate. Very extensive and good beds of marl in county. About one-third of 
the land in county open, the balance well timbered. About three-fifths of sur- 
face undulating, the other two-fifths level. Timber trees of great variety — 
oaks of all kinds, poplar, locust, walnut, elm, beech, hickory, cypress, etc. The 
soil varied and very fertile. Cotton, corn, oats, wheat, sorghum, peas, all the 
grasses, all kinds of vegetables and fruits grow in great abundance. 

Pasturage very extensive — Bermuda grass for summer, and switch-cane and 
the run of the plantation for winter. Society good. Schools excellent — 130 
free schools in county, some of them open ten months and the others four 
months in the year. 

Yazoo offers cheap lands and a warm and hospitable welcome to all who de- 
sire to locate in the county. 

Delinquent lands held by State Auditor for sale 18,640 acres,. 

Population in 1870, from United States census 17,279 

Population in 1880, from United States census 33,845 

White people 8,498 

Colored people 25,347 

Acreage in cotton in 1879 88,184 acres. 

Bales produced in 1879 48,321 bales. 

Pales made by white labor 9,665 

Bales made by black labor 38,656 

Bushels of corn produced in 1879 524,615 

Bushels of oats produced in 1879 5,824 

Pounds of tobacco produced in 1879 1,300 

All kinds of vegetables, fruits, etc., raised for home consumption. 



Raileoad Distance Tables. 



93 



Note. — The sources of information to which I am indebted for the contents 
of the Hand-Book of Mississippi arp as follows: 

The United States census of 1870 aui 1880; the State census of 1880; Prof. 
Eugene W. Hilgard's Geological Report of the State of Mississippi; the prompt 
and intelligent answers to interrogatories sent out from this office to the Chan- 
cery Clerks and Superintendents of Education in each county of the State, to- 
gether with letters from correspondents, and my own personal knowledge of 
the wants, resources and condition of Mississippi. The Railroad Mileage 
Tables, at the close of pamj)hlet, were compiled by Col. J. L. Power from the 
latest x^ublications of the several companies, and will be valuable for reference, 
not only to immigrants, but to citizens of the State generally. This mass of 
reliable information and facts is now submitted to the public, by the order 
of the State Board of Immigration and Agriculture. 

E. G. WALL, Commissioner. 

Jackson, Miss., December, 1884. 



Railroad Distance TabIvKs, 

INCLUDING RAILROADS PASSING THROUGH OR 
ENTERING THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI. 



ILLINOIS CENTRAL EAILRO AD. 



New Obleans to- 



MlLES. 



Suave 4.59 

Kenner , 10.18 

LaBranch 19.42 

Frenier 23.92 

DeSair 29.77 

Manchac 37.52 

Alligator 42.97 

Ponchatoula 48,13 

Hammond 52.79 

Tickfaw , 57.95 

Independence 62.14 

Gillett's 67.66 

Amite 68.51 

Areola 72.28 

Tangipahoa 78.64 

Kent's Mill 82.30 

Beechwood 83.66 

Roncal 84.77 

Osyka 88.16 

Chatawa 92.02 

Magnolia 97.98 

Quinn's 103.06 

McComb 105.00 

Summit 108.00 

Johnston's 112.57 

Bogue Chitto 118.80 

"Chamberlain's 124.50 



New Obleans to — Miles. 

Canton 206.27 

Way's Bluff 215.48 

Vaughan's 219.91 

Pickens 226.55 

Goodman 233.53 

Kosciusko Junction 238.30 

Duraut 241.45 

McGee's 247.20 

West's 250.89 

Beatty 256.52 

Vaiden 260.90 

Foltz 267.92 

Winona 271.48 

Sawyer's 274.41 

Eskridge 278.27 

Duck Hill 282.59 

Elliott 286.72 

Grenada 294.35 

Torrance 302.43 

Coffeeville 309.91 

Dickson 316.72 

Water Valley 323.15 

Springdale 328.54 

Taylor's 332.27 

Oxford 340.23 

College Hill 343.50 

Abbeville 350.19 



94 



Raileoad Distance Tables. 



Illinois Central Raileoad - Contimied. 



Brookhaven 128.98 

Montgomery 133.31 

Wesson 137.78 

BeMUi-egavd 139 .sy 

Martinsville 1 44.45 

HazJehuvst 149.46 

Gallman 154.41 

Crystal Springs 158.63 

Terry 167.20 

Byram 173 83 

Jackson 182.98 

Tougaloo 190. i 7 

Madison 196 07 

Calhoun 198.91 



Spring Creek 355.71 

VVaterford 3G0.6O 

Holly Springs 369 30 

Hudsonyille 376.92 

Ijamar 3S1.98 

Michigan City 3S8.02 

Grand Junction 394 13 

Bolivar, Tenn 412 68 

Jackson, Tenn 440.63 

Milan 463.64 

Cairo Depot 650.00 

St. Louis 700.00 

Chicago 915.00 



ILLINOIS CENTRAL— Yazoo City Beanch. 



Jackson to — Miles. 

Asylum Switch , 181 

Annie 5 88 

Pochahontas 13.75 

Flora 18 91 

Morey 23.61 



Jackson to — Miles, 

Bentonia 26.47 

Anding 30.42 

Valley 37.95 

Yazoo City 45.34 



ILLINOIS CENTRAL RAILROAD— Lexington and Aeekdeen Division. 



Lexington to Aberdeen, 99 miles; New Orleans to Aberdeen, 343 miles; Jack- 
son to Aberdeen, 160 miles. 



New Oeleans to — Miles. | 

Lexington 253 69 

Gray's Mill 248 99 

Durant 241.45^ 

Kosciusko Junction 2'42.81* 

Sallis ■ 250.74 

Kosciusko 256.20 

Ethel 264.82 

Mel 'ool 274.20 

Wier's 279.88 

Fentress 284.45 



New Okleans to — ' Miles. 

Ackerman 287.55 

Sturges 296 20 

Longview 304.75 

Starkville 312.31 

( »sborn 319.22 

AVest Point 326.30 

White's 330.62 

Strong's 334 05 

Reynolds 337.05 

Aberdeen 342.87 



DuEANT TO — Miles. 

Gray's Mill 8 

Lexington 12 

Sallis 10 

Kosciusko 21 

Ethel 30 

McCool 40 

Wier's 45 

Fentress 60 

Ackerman 53 

Stnrges 62 



DuEANT TO — Miles. 

Longview — 

Starkville 78 

Osborn 85 

Muldrow. — 

West Point 92 

White's — 

Strong's 95 

Reynolds 102 

Aberdeen 108 



Kaileoad Distance Tables. 



95 



MISSISSIPPI AND TENNESSEE RAILROAD. 



Station. 

Grenada to Hardy . 

Garner 

Tillatoba 

Oakland 

Harrison 

Pope 

Courtland 

Bates^ille 

Sardis 



From Grenada to Memphis, 100 miles. 

Miles. | Station. 

8 Como 

13 Senatobia 

16 Coldwater 

22 Love 

Hernando 

Nesbit 

Horn Lake 

Whitehaven 



27 
34 
36 
41 
50 Memphis 



^I 



ILES. 

56 
G3 
f>9 

72 
78 
82 
88 
92 
100 



MOBILE AND OHIO RAILROAD. 

Mobile to Cairo, 493 miles. Southern Division, Mobile to Okolona; Northern 
Division, Okolona to Cairo. 



Mobile to — Mile 

Citronelle 32 

State Line, Miss 62 

Buckatunna 70 

Winchester 77, 

Waynesboro 82. 

Shubuta 96 

DeSoto 104 

Quitman 109 

Enterprise 120. 

Okatibbee ■ 129 

Meridian 135 

Marion 140 

Lockhart 146 

Lauderdale l.'iM, 

Tamola 158 

Narkeeta 163 

Sucarnoche 168. 

Scooba 176, 

Wahalak 182. 

Shuqualak 188 

Macon 197. 

Brooksville 206. 



Crawford 211.1 

Artesia 219.2 

Mayhew 224.1 

Tibbee 227.0 

West Point 232.5 

Muldon 241.3 

Prairie 245.7 

E^rypt 2.53 8 

Okolona 2615 

Shannon 269 3 

Vei ona 274 7 

Tupelo 279.2 

Saltillo 287.5 

Guntown 292.3 

Baldwyn 297.4 

Booi^fville 308 6 

Eienzi 3i6.7 

Corinth 328 8 

Jackson. Tenn 386.0 

Humboldt 403.0 

Union City 446.8 

Columbus. Ky 470.3 

Cairo 493.0 



MOBILE AND OHIO Il.\ILROAD— Bbanches. 

Columbus Bbanch. 

Columbus to Cobb's, 8 miles; to Artesia, 13.') miles. 

Starkville Bbanoh. 

Starkville to Sessuma, 6.8 miles; to Artesia, 10.1 miles. 

Abeedeen Bbanoh. 

Aberdeen to Sykes, 5 miles; to Muldon, 9 miles. 



96 Raileoad Distance Tables. 

MEMPHIS AND CHARLESTON RAILROAD. 

Miles. [ Memphis to — 



Memphis to — 

Grand Junction 52.0 

iliddleton, (term. Ripley Road) 64.1 

Corinth, Miss 93.0 

Bnrnsville 107.7 

Inka 115.2 



Miles, 

Tuscumbia 154.4: 

Decatur 188.4 

Huntsville 212.8 

Chattanooga 310.0 



VICKSBITRG AND MERIDIAN RAILROAD. 



ViOKSBUBG TO — 

Four 'Mile Bridge. 

Newman's 

Bovina 

Smith's 

Edwards 

Midway 

Bolton 

Clinton 

Jackson 

Pearson's 

Brandon . 

Spears 

Pelahatchie 



Miles. | Vicksbubg to — 



Miles. 

4 Armistead , 73 

7 Bolers 74 

10 Morton 79 

14 Raworth 85 

18 Forest 90 

22 Lake 99 

26 Lawrence 105 

35 Newton 109 

44 Hickory 117 

50 Chunky 123 

59 Graham 128 

64 New Orleans Junction 138 

71 Meridian 140 



NATCHEZ, JACKSON AND COLUMBUS RAILROAD. 



Stations. Miles. 

Natchez to Foster* 6.1 

Nine Mile Crossing* 9.2 

Stanton ., 11.9 

Cannonsburg «^^••'■ 

Lowenburg 17.6 

Fowler* 20.6 

Fayette 26.1 

Harriston 28.1 

Stonington 30.1 

Red Lick 34.1 

Tillman 40.1 

Martin 43.1 

Hermanyille 49.0 

* Flag Stations. 



Stations. Miles. 

St. Elmo 52.1 

Carlisle 54.1 

McCaleb 56.6 

Myles 58.6 

Carpenter 60.4 

Utica 66.9 

Adams 72.0 

Learned 74.6 

Oakley 77.6 

Raymond 83.1 

McRaven 90.2 

Van Winkle® 94.2 

Jackson 98.6 



NEW ORLEANS AND NORTHEASTERN RAILROAD. 

From Cincincinati to Meridian, 630.2 miles; From Meridian to New Orleans, 
195.8 miles; From Cincinnati to New Orleans, 826.0 miles. 



Mebidian to — Miles 

Corinne 8.3 

Enterprise 16.7 



Mebidian to — Miles. 

Purvis 101.3 

Talowah '. 106.9 



Railboad Distance Tables. 



97 



Wantubee 21.0 

Pachuta 26.5 

Barnett 30.5 

Vossburg 36.1 

Heidelburg 39.7 

Saiidersville 47.3 

Errata 49.3 

Laurel 56.4 

Ellisville 63.8 

Tuscanola 72.8 

Eastabutcbee 77.6 

Hattiesburg 85.1 

Okahola 96.6 



Piotona 110.9 

Hillsdale 117.9 

Poplarville 124.9 

Derby 131.6 

Highland 142.3 

Mitehells 146.7 

Nicholson 162.4 

Pearl River 160.2 

Slidell 167.0 

Guzman 169.0 

Pt. Aux Herbra 177.8 

Lake Shore 191.4 

New Orleans 195.8 



LOUISVILLE, NEW ORLEANS AND TEXAS RAILROAD. 



New Orleans to Memphis, 445 miles; Vicksbnrg to New Orleans, 235 miles: 
Vicksburg to Memphis, 220 miles. 



Fkom ViOKSBttuG South — Miles. |'Fkom Vicksbuisg South — 

To Warrenton 

Yokena 

Aliens 

Galloway 

]\Iorehead 

(Jak Lawn 

Port Gibson 

Russnnis 

PLijs 

Milton 

Harriston (Junction) 

McNair 

Hambursr 



Miles. 



Roxie 

From Vicksbueg, North — Miles, 

Kings 

Blakely 

Redwood 

Floweree 

Hardee : 

Ealpin 

Suedes 

"^^i* atoonia 

•>-y 

T'. 3mont 

Tv. lint Fork 

At), uilla 

Nil ;a Yuma 

Panther Burn 

Percy 

HoUoftdale 

Estelle 

Areola 

Welmot 

Burdette 

Leland 

Choctaw 



8 Knoxville 


76 


13 Kells 


80 


17 Days 


83 


20 Gloster 


91 


23 Tatunis 


97 


25 Centreville 

29 Whittaker 

37 Norwood , 


IOC 

105 

109 


42 Wilson 


113 


45 Gaydeii 


116 


49 Clinton, La 

56 Port Hudson ... 

60 Baton Rouge 

66 New Orleans 

.Es. 1 From Vioksbukg, Nobth 

5 Clarksdale 

8 Lyons 


136 

134 

146 

235 

: — Miles. 

144 

146 


10 Clover Hill 


15® 


16 Fants 


152 


19 Burke 


1.54 


22 Coahoma 

28 Walton 


157 

168 


32 Lula 


164 


36 Hamlins 


166 


39 Carnesville 

44 Townsends 

49 Busby 


168 

17« 

172 


53 Beaver Dam 

56 Club House 


176 

177 


59 Austin 


178 


63 Tunica 


182 


67 Hollywood 

71 Collins 


186 

189 


73 Robiusonville 


191 


77 DeSoto 


196 


81 Lake Cormorant 

93 Glover 


199 

203 



Raileoad Distance Tables. 



Nicholson 96 

Coleman 107 

Merigold 113 

Shelby 122 

Duncan 129 

Bobo 136 



Walls 205 

Lake View, Tenn 207 

Ensleys, Tenn 213 

Etters, Tenn 215 

Eemphis, Tenn 220 



LOUISVILLE AHD NASHVILLE EAILROAD. 



New Orleans to Mobile, 141 miles. 



INew Orleans, to — Miles. 

Ponchar train Junction 5 

Lee 9 

Micheaud 13 

'Chef Menteur 20 

Lake Catherine ^ . . . 26 

.B,igolets 31 

Look Out 36 

■Claiborne 40 

Toulme 45 

Waveland 48 

Ulmanville — 

Bay St. Louis 52 

Hendersoir s Point — 

Pass Chrislian 58 

Long Beach — 

Mississippi City 71 

BeauYoir 75 

Biloxi 80 



New Orleans "^o-^^^^^^^^ Miles. 

Ocean Springs 84 

Belle Fontaine 90 

West Pascagoula 97 

Scranton 100 

Murray — 

Grand Bay 116 

Fernland — 

Saint Elmo 121 

Otis' Mill 

Fowl River — 

Venetia 132 

Mobile 141 

Pensacola 202 

Montgomery 321 

Birmingham 417 

Louisville 811 

Cincinnati 921 



SHIP ISLAND, EIPLEY AND KENTUCKY RAILHOAD. 

IMiLES. I Miles. 

Ripley to Fnlkner 8I4 Walnut to Middleton 8% 

Falkner to Tiplersville 4I4 Ripley to Middleton 25 " 

Tiplersville to Walnut 4 



MOBILE AND NORTH-WESTERN RAILROAD. 

Completed from Glendale to Clarksdale, Coahoma county — 30 miles, 
of Company at Glendale. 

Glendale to Magnolia 7 miles. 

To Jonestown 17 miles. 

To Clarksdale 30 miles. 



Offices 



GEORGIA PACIFIC RAILWAY. 

Atlanta to Birmingham, 167 miles; a gap of about 70 miles between Bir- 
mingham and Patton Mines; Patton Mines to Columbus, Miss., 72 miles. 

Mississippi Division — Greenville to Sharkey, via Stoneville, 24 miles; from 
Stoneville to Johnsonville, 20 miles. 



Railboad and Riveb Distance Tables. 
ALABAMA GREAT SOUTHERN RAILROAD. 

From Chattanooga, via Biimiugham, to Meridian, 295 miles. 



99 



Meridian to — 

Zenitli 

Toomsuba 



Miles. Meridian to — Miles. 

8.0 Birmingham 152.2 

l'-'.5 Chattauoojra 295.2 



QUEEN AND CRESCEKT ROUTE. 

Includes : 

Cincinnati SouxHF'iW — From Cincinnati to Chattanooga, via Lexington, Ky., 
336 miles. 

Alabama Southekn — Chattanooga, via Birmingliam, to Meridian, 295 miles. 

New Orleans and North-Eastebn— Meridian to New Orleans, 19G miles. 
Total distance Cincinnati to New Orleans, 827 miles. 

ViOKSEURQ AFD Meridian — Meridian to Vicksburg, ] 40 milcs. 

ViCKSBURO, SuREVEPORT AND PACIFIC — VicUsburg to Slireveport, 171 miles. 

Total distance Cincinnati to Meridian, C31 miles; Cincinnati to Vicksburg, 
771 miles; Cincinnati to Slireveport, 942 miles. Total Queen and Crescent 
Route, 1153 miles. 



WEST FELICIANA RAILr.OAD. 

Boyon Sara, on Mississippi River, to Woodville, Miss. 

The Stations are: Ashwood, Turnbull's, Laurel Hill and Wakefield. Trains 
run every Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday, leaving Woodville at 7 
A. M., and Bayou Sara at 2 p. ai. 



MEMPHIS, SELMA AND BRUNSWICK RAILROAD. 

At the date of this publication, this road is under contract for early comple- 
tion, from Memi.)his to Holly Sin-ings. Distance, 45 miles. 



MISSISSIPPI RIVER. 



DISTANCES FROM VICKSBUBG, NORTH. 



Landing. 



Miles. 



Landing. 



Miles. 



To Young's Point, La 10 Bolivar, Miss ISl)^ 

Milliken's Bend, La 21 Prentiss, Miss 182 



Tallulah, Miss 46 

Lake Providence, La 57 

Mayersville, Miss 64 

Dancansby, Miss 68 

Carolina, Miss 79 

Leota, Miss . . 82 

Egg's Point, Miss 94 

Greenville, Miss Ill 



Napoleon, Ark 184 

Florey ville. Miss 192 

Carson's Miss 217 

Helena, Ark 322 

Austin, Miss ' 339 

Memphis, Tenn 404 

Cairo, 111 677 

St. Louis, Mo 877 



100 



Counties and County Sites, 
feom tioksbueg south. 



Landing. Miles. 

Delta *= 

Davis' Beud 25 

Grand Gulf 40 

St. Joseph 55 



Landing. Miles. 

Rodney 60 

Waterproof '^^ 

Natchez 100 

New Orleans 4:0a 



COUNTIES AND COUNTY SITES; 



COUNTY. OOUETS HELD AT 

Adams Natchez. 

Alcorn Corinth. 

Amite Liberty. 

Attala Kosciusko. 

Benton Ashland. 

Bolivar . . . ; Rosedale. 

Calhoun Pittsboro. 

., ,, ) CarroUton. 

<-arroll, J Vaiden. 

_,, . , ) Houston. 

Chickasaw,;^ Okolona. 

Choctaw Chester. 

Claiborne Port Gibson. 

Clarke Enterprise. 

Coahoma Friars Point. 

Copiah Hazlehurst. 

Covington Williamsburg. 

Clay West Point. 

DeSoto Hernando. 

Franklin Meadville. 

Greene Leakesville. 

Grenada Grenada. 

Hancock Bay St. Louis. 

Harrison Mississippi City. 

„. ^ ) Raymond. 

Hinds, ^ Jackson. 

Holmes Lexington. 

Issaquena Mayersville. 

Itawamba Fulton. 

Jackson Scranton. 

Jasper Paulding. 

Jefferson Fayette. 

Jones Ellisville. 

Kemper DeKalb. 

Lafayette Oxford. 

Lauderdale Meridian. 

Lawrence Monticello. 

Leake Carthage. 

Lee Tupelo. 



COUNTY. COUETS HELD AT.. 

Lincoln Brookhaven. 

Lowndes Columbus. 

Leflore Greenwood. 

Madison Canton. 

Marion Columbia. 

Marshall Holly Springs. 

Monroe Aberdeen. 

Montgomery Winona. 

Neshoba Philadelphia. 

Newton Decatur. 

Noxubee Macon. 

Oktibbeha Starkville. 

Panola Sardis. 

Perry Augusta. 

Pike Magnolia. 

Pontotoc Pontotoc. 

Prentiss Booiieville. 

Quitman Eelan. 

Rankin Brandon. 

Scott Forest. 

Sharkey Rolling Fork. 

Simpson Westville. 

Smith Raleigh. 

Sunflower JohnsonviUe. 

Tallahatchie Charleston. 

Tippah Ripley. 

Tishomingo luka. 

Tnnica Austin. 

Tate Senatobia. 

Union New Albany. 

Warren.: Vicksburfr, 

Washington Greenvill . 

Wayne Waynesboro. 

Webster Walthall. 

Wilkinson Woodville. 

Winston Louisville. 

) ....... Coffeevillc. 

Yalobusha, ^ "_ ^yji^er Valley. 

Yazoo Yazoo City. 




T 






I 



I 



Z<91 
1 

T 



O 



N..- 



^, X 



MISSISSIPPI STATE BOARD 



— ) or (- 




EOBEET LOWEY, Governcr, 
W. L. HEKIITGWAY, State Trea:urcr 
r. C. CATGHINa, Attorney General, 
E. G. WALL, Com. of Iram. and Agr., 



I're.<.'t.deri: 
J/c ruber. 
Member. 
Member. 





T 







PREPARED AND ISSUED BY 



R. G. WALL, 

COMMISSIONER OF 

IMMIGRATION AND AGRICULTURE 



STATE OF MISSISSIPPI. 




cv\* 




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Central Prairie Region ; Beds of Limestone and large quantities of 
Marlj have been found in this section, interspersed with a great 
variety of timber, the long leaf and short leaf pine predominating. 



Long Leif Pine Region, almost entirely covered with the best Yellow 
Pinetimber. 



Gulf Coi.Bt Region, interspersed with Long Leaf Pine, 



